Argues that the sociobiological argument (i.e., that suicide is associated with reduced reproductive potential) seems to have little explanatory value and to misrepresent the variability in cross-cultural patterning of suicidal behavior. Proposes a biocultural theory of suicide which addresses both the specific situational stressors and the…

Elementary school students (N=237) completed a survey to determine school, home, and general mental health needs of children. Results revealed 38 children who met criteria for being at risk for some type of mental health problem. Evidence suggests that procedure described might help to identify a group at risk for suicide, although this conclusion…

This paper describes a group of adolescents who met with a therapist after a friend had committed suicide. The purpose of the group was to discuss the feelings engendered by the suicide. The setting up of the group, an explanation of the victim's difficulties, and issues dealt with by the group are described. (Author)

The poetry of adolescents in despair may provide us with early signs of suicide; hence referral to professional help may result at an early stage. In analyzing words used in suicidal and nonsuicidal and adolescent's poetry, significant differences were found. Differences showed themselves in the vigor and intensity of loaded words in the suicide…

Recounts the suicide of Nico Speijer, the "grand old man" of suicidology in the Netherlands. Contends that his case is related to ethical issues in suicide prevention. Offers a set of criteria by which to decide when suicide should not necessarily be prevented, nor its helpers punished by law. (Author/ABB)

Reports on investigation of two culturally similar Inupiat Eskimo regions which had substantially different 1970 suicide rates. Notes that interaction of economic development and modern education was significantly associated with sharp rise in suicides in one region where depressed economic structure could not facilitate goal achievement fostered…

Discusses difficulties in measuring interpersonal understanding, ego development and moral development. Compares Loevinger's and Selman's theories, showing how cognitive and sociocognitive structures may be used to reconstruct many ego development test items. (NH)

Presents a five stage model (Jacobs, 1980) of suicidal behavior in adolescents, with a discussion based on observation of three case studies. A second method of communicating suicidal notions through a two-step progression is described, and intervention issues are discussed. (JAC)

Reviews the statutory and case law regarding release of client information in three life endangering situations: child abuse, protection of third parties, and suicide. Describes the general principles of confidentiality and some specific legal issues for each of these three areas. (LLL)

Describes five features of the family organization of suicidal children and suggests that the treatment of suicidal children must encompass a holistic family technique. The acute phases of treatment include protecting the child from harm, promoting appropriate parental role responsibilities, and effecting an immediate significant family change.…

Adolescent alienation represents a profound shortcoming in our social and political institutions. (MM)

Many federal agencies actively address the problem of violence in schools by acquiring and disseminating information about school violence and supporting strategies that work to reduce violence. This document provides an inventory of federal activities addressing violence in schools. It was designed to facilitate coordination of federal school…

This book provides a practice guide for students and mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy. It begins by looking at who the patients are and discussing why they come for therapy. A classification system divides all patients into one of four large groups: (1) normal-neurotic; (2) narcissistic; (3) borderline; and (4) psychotic. This…

This article focuses on how parents and institutions can create a positive climate for children's emotional health. An increasing number of mental health professionals believe that parents and adults can dramatically reduce the amount of depression and suicide among children and teenagers by modeling and promoting learned optimism. Values also…