Citation

Goldblatt MJ, Briggs S, Lindner R. Br. J. Psychother. 2015; 31(1): 38-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/bjp.12134

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Group suicidal behaviour by young people has been attracting increasing worldwide attention, but the subject has rarely been studied from a clinical or psychodynamic perspective. Although etiological factors are not well understood, unconscious as well as conscious group processes likely contribute to self-destructive actions. In this article we discuss the role of projective identification in the development of suicidal behaviour by individuals who are part of a destructive group. We consider how these factors may operate, illustrated through a case description of a young man involved with a group of high-school students that included at least four who made serious suicide attempts. Recognition and understanding of these forms of communication have important implications for clinical practice and suicide prevention. © 2015 BPF and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; psychotherapy; suicide attempt; suicidal behavior; clinical practice; interpersonal communication; automutilation; emotion; peer group; defense mechanism; group dynamics; social life; Article; personal experience; high school student; adolescent behavior; group process; friendship; Adolescent Suicide; Group Dynamics; Point Cluster; Projective Identification; Suicide Groups