Year: 1974 Source: Thesis (Ph.D.)-East Texas State University, 1974. SIEC No: 19870620

The purpose of this study was to provide a philosophical analysis of self-destructive behavior from an existential frame of reference. An examination of attitudes toward suicide throughout history revealed positions of total acceptance to rigid condemnation. The author sees suicide as an individual’s last exercise of the ultimate existential freedom, the freedom to live or the freedom to die. Prevention, intervention, & postvention will only help those who choose to be helped. (NBB)