Suicide is seen as a declaration of self worth in the face of apparently overwhelming difficulties. It enables the victim to revert to a once helpless posture where he can hope again to find himself the object of devotion. The emotional factor behind suicide is inability to make or retain relations with others, leading to loneliness; this is often found in weak father-domineering mother homes. Attempts may be precipitated by e.g. loss of a person on whom the victim depended for ego strength. (KM)