Citation

Moullembe A. Bull. Psychol. (Paris) 1973; 27(15-18): 804-943.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1973, Universite de Paris. Groupe D Etudes de Psychologie)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Presents a theoretical discussion of suicide based on historical and statistical data. Among the aspects considered are the possibility of a psychopathological structure of suicide, factors in suicide, types of suicide, causative behavior, and characteristics of suicide in children and adolescents. A clinical study is reported in detail which compared 11 male and 17 female 6-16 yr olds who had attempted suicide with a group of children and adolescents presenting psychosomatic problems. Members of both groups exhibited similar characteristics but Ss in the suicide group did so to a much greater degree. These Ss came from disturbed families and had experienced severe and prolonged losses of support, affection, and parental image. Alcoholism and conflicts were frequent among parents. Ss experienced difficulties in parental and sibling relations. IQs were normal but there was evidence of academic failures. Ss were aggressive, depressed, anxious, guilty, and demanding of attention. The theoretical and clinical data presented indicate that (a) suicides are found in various nosological categories and (b) although the characteristics of suicides appear in other groups, records of the groups studied seem to point to a 'suicide syndrome.' (77 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

suicide; Suicide; theoretical & clinical approach