Suicide: A Multidimensional Malaise

Abstract

No one really knows why human beings commit suicide. The goal of this paper is to provide a psychological point of view on the topic, among the many other perspectives that are needed. It addresses the question by providing a theory of suicide, arguing that it is theory that allows us to sort out the booming buzzing mess of experience (Wm. James). Suicide is a multidimensional malaise. Metaphorically speaking, it is an intrapsychic drama on an interpersonal stage. As sound theory must be empirically observable, the theory is next applied to research of suicide notes, studying such factors as age, sex, and method of suicide, cross‐culture and cross‐time. Next, because all theory must have clinical applicability, a clinical case study of Goethe's Werther is provided. Overall, it is concluded that we need to continue to develop models to understand the suicidal mind.

Establishing research priorities for investigating male suicide risk and recovery: A modified Delphi study with lived-experience experts.

“…The highest rated priority across the Delphi study was "investigating loneliness and isolation for men who are suicidal." The high endorsement of this question (98%) is consistent with contemporary theories of suicide that cite interpersonal challenges and thwarted belongingness as central to the emergence of suicidal pain (Leenaars, 1996;Van Orden et al, 2010). Feelings of loneliness and isolation have been strongly linked with male suicidal behaviors (Player et al, 2015;Strike et al, 2006).…”

Investigating the Genuineness of Suicide Notes in Social Media

“…Suicide notes are documents that are said to be a window into the people who are gone (Synnott et al, 2017). These records serve to provide an understanding of the psychological processes of those who commit suicide (Leenaars, 1996). Shapero (2011, p. 26) states that suicide notes are all text genres, such as diaries, letters, lists, and greeting cards that contain suicidal intentions.…”