Distinguishing Families Where Suicidal Behaviour is Present From Families Where Suicidal Behaviour is Absent

Twenty families are observed during the 1st interview for family therapy. In families where suicidal behaviour occurs there are 3 variables which distinguish them from families where no such behaviour occurs: 1) the threat of immediate breakup of the family relationship ie. someone is about to leave, 2) a situation of mutual negative connotation where no matter what anyone tries to do it is seen as ‘wrong’, 3) a tradition of symptoms being used at times of crisis to keep the family together.