Search Results (3)

Suicidal behaviour is defined as taking actions with the intention of killing oneself and thinking of performing these actions. Suicide is a serious public health problem with complex biological, social and psychological risk factors and a multidimensional clinical appearance, occurring all over the world and ranking among the leading causes of death. In this study, psychological approaches explaining suicide were evaluated under the headings of first-generation and second-generation suicide theories, the different aspects of these theories were put forward, and previously published studies and recent evidence were reviewed. A literature review on the theoretical foundations of suicide is presented. First-generation suicide theories were developed before the 2000s and second-generation suicide theories were developed after the 2000s. While Psychodynamic Theory, Social Learning Theory, Hopelessness Theory, Shneidman’s Suicide Theory and Escape Theory are included under the title of first-generation suicide theories, Interpersonal Psychological Suicide Theory, Three Stage Suicide Theory, Complementary Motivational-Demotivational Theory and Variable Predisposition Theory are examined as second-generation suicide theories. The approaches of the theories provide important evidence in understanding suicidal behaviour and recognising various risk factors in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal action. Controlling the risk factors may contribute both in terms of preventive community mental health and in the development of health policies. Full article

The Public Health Agency of Canada declared suicide a public health problem in Canada (2016). Employees working in correctional services, researchers find, experience high rates of life-time suicidal ideation in comparison to other public safety professionals and the general population. Suicide behaviours (i.e., ideation, planning, attempts, death) are a multifactorial phenomenon, explained in part by the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide that suggests attempted suicide is facilitated by perceived burdensomeness, a lost sense of belonging, a feeling of hopelessness, and a progressively reduced fear of death, as well as capacity and planning to engage a lethal attempt. In the current study, we unpack the factors that can influence suicide behaviours as reported by correctional workers. Our intent is to make explicit the experiences of a small sample (n = 25) of correctional workers in relation to suicidal behaviours, highlighting stories of recovery and acknowledging the importance of facilitating psychologically safe workplaces. Analysis entailed an inductive semi-grounded emergent theme approach. Participants identified certain risk factors as being able to induce suicidal ideation, such as marital or family problems as well as difficulties at work (i.e., bullying or difficult working conditions). Having children and a partner may act as factors preventing suicide for those with ideation. Participants sought help from professionals, such as their family doctor, a psychologist, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP); however, the lack of perceived organisational supports and recognition of the issue of suicide by the employer are two elements that can hinder the search for help. Full article

Farmers have been found to be at increased risk of suicide in Australia. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour suggests that the proximal factors leading to the suicidal desire or ideation include an individual’s experiences of both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Suicidal desire with acquired capability to engage in lethal self-injury is predictive of suicidal behaviour. This study investigates the pathways to suicide of 18 Australian male farmers in order to understand the suicidal process and antecedents to suicide in Australian male farmers. The psychological autopsy (PA) method was used to generate life charts. Two pathways with distinct suicidal processes were identified: acute situational (romantic relationship problems and financial concerns/pending retirement) and protracted (long-term psychiatric disorder). Long working hours, interpersonal conflicts, physical illnesses and pain, alcohol abuse, access to firearms, and exposure to drought were additional common factors identified. An understanding of the interrelatedness of diverse distal and proximal risk factors on suicidal pathways in the wider environmental context for male farmers is required when developing and implementing rural suicide prevention activities. Full article