The Interlocking Psychologies of Suicide and Adolescence (IN: Adolescent Psychiatry: Developmental and Clinical Studies Volume IX)

Based on the author’s experience & on psychoanalytic theory, the psychologies of suicide & adolescence are compared. These psychologies, & the psychotherapy of suicidal adolescents, are dealt with under headings of object loss, loneliness, hopelessness & helplessness. Although adolescents are concerned with object loss, they have a need to become independent of objects. Loneliness, helplessness, & hopelessness are connected to efforts to achieve adult identities. (5 refs.) (RM)