Citation

Bille-Brahe U. Nord. J. Psychiatry 1991; 45(3): 185-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/08039489109103284

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent decades rates of suicide and attempted suicide have been increasing in most Western countries. Suicidal behaviour has become more "common" and consequently, more and more people are also exposed to suicidal ideation and suicidal transmission. In Denmark the increase has been especially marked among the 30- to 49-year-olds - that is, in the age group in which the majority most often are parents of children and adolescents. According to social learning theory, behaviours are learned and maintained primarily because they are reinforced by some significant others. During childhood the most significant others are usually the parents, and the suicidal behaviour of a parent may be perceived as a "lesson" In addition, the suicidal behaviour of a parent usually has long-lasting damaging psychologic effects on the child. With the increasing number of people in the parent age group showing suicidal behaviour, an increasing number of youngsters will be in a high-risk group, and chances are that in the years to come we shall have to face increasing rates of suicide and attempted suicide for each new birth cohort. © 1991 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

Language: da

Keywords

Children; Suicide; Adolescents; Suicidal risk; Attempted suicide