Presents two cases chosen to draw attention to marital and developmental dynamics of suicidal behavior. Both case vignettes are based on individual interviews with suicidal persons and their spouses during the suicidal person's psychiatric hospitalization, and both include observations of the marital interaction. Case vignettes are followed by…

Examined relationship between ego defense mechanisms, diagnoses, and suicidality among 200 adolescent psychiatric patients classified as suicide attempters, suicidal ideators, and nonsuicidal patients. Using Defense Mechanisms Inventory, found the suicidal adolescents score higher on turning-against-self and lower on reversal, as compared to…

Two studies evaluated sources of stress (negative life events versus hassles) as predictors of hopelessness and suicide ideation and tested mediating role of hopelessness among college students. Finding from 143 students revealed hassles accounted for unique increment in hopelessness scores after negative life events were controlled statistically.…

Examined belief in afterlife and bereavement recovery following death by suicide, homicide, accident, or natural causes. Bereaved persons (n=121) completed scales measuring belief in afterlife, impact of event, perceived recovery, spiritual well-being, emotional pain, and social support. Feeling of recovery following bereavement appeared enhanced…

Compares suicide in Greek tragedy and Hebrew Bible, concentrating on life situations portrayed in two sets of narratives promoting or preventing suicide. Notes frequency of suicides in Greek tragedy and infrequency of suicides in Bible. Compares stories of Narcissus and Jonah in attempt to pinpoint what is suicide-promoting in Greek narratives and…

Studied Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related stressors and suicidal ideation/intent among 778 gay and bisexual men (none with AIDS). Compared to those who reported no suicidal ideation over past six months, those who reported ideation (n=212) were more likely to report recent bereavement of partner, AIDS-Related Disorder (ARC)…

Discusses development and evaluation of community-based, telephone intervention suicide prevention centers. Reviews evidence regarding effectiveness of these centers and presence of causal relationship between crisis counseling exposure and suicide rate reduction. Offers cautions and recommendations. Examines model of health promotion program…

Argues that suicide is an idea, having much in common with societal beliefs/norms. Discusses evidence supportive of suicide as idea, based on knowledge from study of history and culture, and about contagion/cluster phenomena, media/communication, and choice of method. Suggests that certain individuals are more vulnerable to incorporate idea/act of…

Notes that subject of transgenerational patterns of suicide attempt calls for examination of variables extending beyond those examined in previous article (Sorenson and Rutter, 1991). Considers possible significance of such variables as respondent's income, employment status, and length of residence in the community. Contends that scales assessing…

Contends that family disruption associated with parental mental disorder and suicide attempts may be contributory factor in suicide attempts. Reviews research comparing parental divorce and parental death to highlight potential factors associated with intergenerational transmission of suicidal behavior across developmental levels. Outlines…

Presents case consultation in which consultants respond to issues of urban planning for mass transit (subway) system and how to maximize prevention of intentional injury within subway stations. Also asks what type of research study should be used and what type of data collected once system is operating. Case is discussed by Morton M. Silverman and…

Reviews legal and clinical literature on standards of care for nonhospitalized adult suicidal patients. Discusses effective assessment, management, and treatment procedures that balance need for high-quality care by reasonable and prudent practitioner with requirements of court-determined and statutory standards. Specifically discusses failure…

Analyzed Suicide Intent Scale using data from 98 psychiatric inpatients who had attempted suicide. Analysis resulted in two-factor solution: Lethal Intent factor contained items pertaining to subjective level of lethal intent; Planning factor contained items related to objective planning for attempt. Findings suggest that Suicide Intent Scale can…

Compared characteristics of suicides by jumping to those of suicides by hanging, ingestion, or shooting. Method used was significantly associated with sociodemographics, occupation, and mental health status, even after adjustment for individual access to suicide means. Findings provide evidence for hypothesis that controlling access to agent of…

Reviews the relevant research related to using the Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in the assessment of suicidality. Uses a case illustration to show how a battery of psychological tests can be used to identify characteristics that make an individual vulnerable to suicidal…