Attempted Suicide and Self Mutilation in Adolescence: Some Observations From a Psychoanalytic Research Project

Authors describe conclusions based on clinical observations of 10 clients. It is believed that unresolved parental detachment issues are central to many suicidal adolescents. Suicide or mutilation is one way for the young person to deal with the internal stress of becoming separate. Fear of abandonment by the parent figure can be a block to the therapy relationship. (JH)