Lack of hope for future change is hypothesized as a distinguishing factor between suicidally depressed young adolescents and other young people who are also objectless, the developmentally dispossessed. (Author)

Pleads for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of suicide and suicide prevention, arguing that suicide is at once universal or generic (biologically or developmentally), and specific (culturally). Illustrates argument that much is known about suicidal dynamics already and that a multidisciplinary approach is the preferred one. Includes…

Examination of immediate psychoanalytic surround of decision to commit suicide finds range of motivations circumscribed. Often suicide is external aggression turned against oneself. Loss of love, or hopelessness resulting from chronic or acute lowering of self-regard, allows aggression to dominate one's libido. Manic excitement, immortality…

Examined whether cognitive rigidity is personality trait of suicide attempters or transient characteristic limited to crisis period. Tests for rigidity administered to suicide attempters after the crisis period found subjects less rigid than attempters from previous studies which administered tests during crisis situation. Findings suggest that…

This article presents facts about and suggestions for dealing with depression, an affective disorder which is estimated to afflict 15 percent of adults in any given year. Special emphasis is given to the growing trends of depression and suicide among adolescents. (CB)

Discusses the relationship of the central monoamine (MA) serotinin (5 hydroxytryptamine or 5 HT) and certain features of depression. Hypothesizes that disturbances in central serotonergic functions form the common root for disturbances in regulation of mood and of aggression. (ABB)

Reviews genetic influence on suicide. Reviews methodologies for studying the nature-nurture issue and examines their applicability to the study of suicide. Reviews research from the methodologically sound strategies. Examines work by Uematsu using an approach different from any of the conventional methodologies. (Author/ABB)

Estimates proportions and changes in the incidence of suicide attempts in Denmark. There were high increases among adolescents, but the increase was due to the fact that more and more men attempted suicide; suggests as a new phenomenon more male than female suicide attempters. (Author/ABB)

Investigated reactions of others to the surviving spouse of an individual who commits suicide. Results indicated (compared to those spouses of accident and leukemia victims) that the spouse of a suicide was viewed as being more to blame for the death, as having had a greater chance of preventing the death, and as being more ashamed of the death.…

Examined the families of origin of suicidal females, with particular focus on their parents. Five parental characteristics are identified and described: nonnurturing parents, absent parents, abusive parents, mentally ill parents, and alcoholic parents, and their relationship to the individuals' suicidal behaviors is discussed. (Author/BL)

Discusses the dynamics of suicide, how to work with a potentially suicidal client in the counseling relationship, and legal and ethical implications for the counselor. (Author)

In a preliminary study of a single group of suicide attempters, male and female subjects did not differ in temperament characteristics. Data from both sexes indicated that suicide-prone individuals have unpleasant, arousable, and submissive temperaments, with arousability a strong discriminator of suicide attempters relative to the general…

Examination of White suicide rates, 1960-78, showed that: (1) suicide rates remain considerably higher for men than women; and (2) sex differences in suicide rates narrowed during the 1960s but held relatively stable during the 1970s. Explanation of these patterns involves a combination of sociohistorical and methodological factors. (CMG)

Examined household crowding and loneliness and their effect on suicide ideation among a general sample of the population (N=247) in an urban area. Data indicated that the variables of household crowding and loneliness were significantly associated with the extent of suicide ideation. (LLL)

Reviews research which suggests that the measurement of hopelessness has not been independent of social desirability. Suggests that the theoretical and clinical usefulness of assessing hopelessness depends on the use of theoretically explicit instruments to assess independently content and response styles with clinically relevant populations.…