Vulnerability to Suicide (IN: Lifelines: Clinical Perspectives on Suicide, ed. by E L Bassuk, S C Schoonover & A D Gill)

Suicidal thoughts & behaviours emerge when developmentally &/or biologically vulnerable individuals lose the means of maintaining their sense of inner security & self-worth. Feelings of aloneness, worthlessness & despair are accompanied by rage which becomes directed at the self. Suicide seems to offer relief from inner pain while allowing the expression of this rage. Biological & developmental factors as well as coping mechanisms & the suicidal impulse are discussed in this chapter. (9 refs.)