Conceptual confusion about intentions and motives of nonfatal suicidal behavior: A discussion of terms employed in the literature of suicidology

To address the lack of comparability around the world, we conducted a systematic review of existing definitions of suicide and suicidal behaviors. In the literature, four key features appear to cover the vast majority of concepts underpinning definitions: agency, knowledge of a potential fatal outcome, intent, and outcome. Intent and outcome appear to be the most consensual features of definitions of suicide, albeit revealing interesting conceptual variations. The four key features could be used to devise a research tool able to explore the meanings of suicide across different countries and different cultures.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary Definitions of Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review

Goodfellow

Kõlves

Leo

2018

“…However, as this intent can be asserted or denied retrospectively by suicide attempters, it is unreliable (Kjøller, Nørlev, & Davidsen, 2004) and it brings us back to the idea that those individuals who do not really wish to die may use this type of behavior in an instrumental way, possibly with undertones of manipulation and of deliberate minimization of the act (Dear, 2001). This second category of behavior can serve multiple purposes, notably that of sending a message, albeit awkwardly, to family and friends (Hjelmeland & Knizek, 1999). This behavior can constitute not only a call for help, but also, for some, a morbid form of self‐help (Favazza, 1999).…”

Section: Confusion In Conceptsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonfatal Suicide‐Related Behavior Among Inmates: Testing for Gender and Type Differences

Daigle

Côté

2006

Suicide-related behavior (SRB) is significantly more prevalent among female (40.8%) than among male (28%) inmates, although suicide risk is higher among the latter. When instrumental behavior (IB) is excluded and only suicidal acts (SA) considered, rates for the two groups are more comparable (11.9% and 16%, respectively). Compared with other female inmates, the SRB group is more suicidal, hostile, and impulsive and more likely to have been previously victimized and to be diagnosed with Axis I and II disorders. Women with IB are not significantly different from those with SA, except that their behavior provides significantly greater tension release.

“…Despite these observations there is little research that offers a more solid empirical view on the issue of intentions. Several authors have pointed to the fact that intentions are often confused with motives (Hjelmeland & Knizek, 1999; Silverman & Berman, 2005). Maris et al (2000) defined (the basically legal concept) motive as “the cause or reason that moves the will and induces action,” and intent is “the purpose a person has in using a particular means (e.g., suicide) to effect a result”(p. 37).…”

Section: The Distinction Between Because and In Order Tomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hjelmeland and Knizek (1999) reviewed the psychological literature on the meanings of intentions and motives. Though some authors used motives (or reasons) and intentions as synonyms, generally the recommendation was to distinguish between the two.…”

Section: The Distinction Between Because and In Order Tomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As such, to explain behavior intentions more than motives are closely related to the act. The causal explanation of behavior looks to the past (the external observer's point of view), while the teleological perspective looks for an explanation in the future (the actor's perspective), to what is to be accomplished by the act (Hjelmeland & Knizek, 1999). Interestingly, support for this distinction is found in another scientific field.…”

Section: The Distinction Between Because and In Order Tomentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

On “Intention” in the Definition of Suicide

Andriessen

2006

The need for a comprehensive nomenclature in suicidology is now well recognized. In this paper the focus is on the issue of intention, which is identified as an essential aspect of any definition of suicide and suicidal behavior primarily because of its distinction from accidental behavior. The distinction between the retrospective perspective of motives versus the prospective perspective of intentions is highlighted, and I argue that the latter is more closely related to suicidal behavior. Finally, while motives and intentions tend to be used together in research, there is a need for sound research to clarify the roles of intentions in order to better understand suicide and attempted suicide.