Citation

Pochard F, Robin M, Faessel AI, Kannas S. Encephale (1974) 1999; 25(4): 296-303.

Vernacular Title

Passage a l'acte suicidaire et violence sacrificielle: hypothese systemique et

Affiliation

Equipe Rapide d'Intervention de Crise (ERIC), EPS Charcot, Plaisir.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Masson Editeur)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10546084

Abstract

Studies concerning suicidal behavior show practical limitations of epidemiology and risk factor analysis. Suicidal behaviour is usually considered as a consequence of mental disease, but suicide cannot be studied without addressing the context of the acting-out. Suicide attempt can be interpreted as a thematic relational act, in which the central phenomenon is anger. Using the anthropological hypothesis of scapegoating described by René Girard and a theoretical systemic approach, we propose a vision of suicide attempts in a micro-social context, offering a new interpretation of the acting-out. Application of the hypothesis to the suicidal context shows that suicidal behavior may be considered as a relationship modality. The understanding of rivalry mechanisms and integration of care in a context which takes account of the complexity of suicidal behaviour offers the possibility of developing potentially valuable approaches to prevention.

Language: fr