Altruism and Suicide (IN: Suicide and Self-Damaging Behavior: a Sociobiological Perspective)

Possible relationships between altruism & suicide are examined. Reasons why altruism occurs & how it promotes survival are given. Kin selection suggests aiding one’s kin is beneficial; this can manifest itself in suicide. Group benefit suggests that burdensome individuals commit suicide as they take more from society than they give. Cultures tend to punish selfishness & reward altruism, a selecting factor. Instances where group selection would occur over individual selection are discussed.