Suicidal Tendencies

Suicide is a complex phenomenon that can be triggered by various factors. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some of the risk factors for suicide include mental disorders, previous suicide attempts, specific personality characteristics, genetic loading and family processes in combination with triggering psychosocial stressors, exposure to inspiring models and availability of means of committing suicide¹². From a psychological perspective, one can explain suicide using different theories. For instance, the cognitive theory suggests that suicidal individuals have negative thoughts about themselves and their future. They may also have a distorted perception of reality and may feel hopeless and helpless³. The interpersonal theory suggests that people who are socially isolated or lack social support are more likely to commit suicide³. The psychodynamic theory suggests that suicidal individuals have an unconscious desire to die because they are overwhelmed by their emotions³. Society views suicide differently based on a person’s age. For example, suicide among young people is often viewed as a tragic event that could have been prevented if only someone had noticed the warning signs³. On the other hand, suicide among older adults is often viewed as a natural consequence of aging³. Treatment for suicidal individuals depends on the severity of their condition. After an attempted suicide, treatment may include hospitalization, medication management, psychotherapy or a combination of these interventions¹. Prevention programs aim to reduce the risk of suicide by identifying individuals who are at risk and providing them with appropriate interventions. These programs may include screening for depression and other mental health disorders, providing education about suicide prevention and offering support services for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts¹. Here are some scholarly references that you can use to support your research:

• Joiner Jr., T. E., Van Orden, K. A., Witte, T. K., Selby, E. A., Ribeiro, J. D., Lewis-O’Connor, A., … & Rudd, M. D. (2009). Main predictions of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior: Empirical tests in two samples of young adults. Journal of abnormal psychology, 118(3), 634.
• O’Connor, R. C., & Nock, M. K. (2014). The psychology of suicidal behaviour. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(1), 73-85.
• Pappas, S. (2021). New research in suicide prevention. Monitor on Psychology, 52(6), 28.

Sample Solution

Suicide is a complex phenomenon that can be triggered by various factors.