Case Consultation: Suicidal Behavior and Marital Interaction

In this article, 2 case studies are detailed which illustrate the marital & developmental dynamics of suicidal behavior. Both case vignettes are based on individual interviews with suicidal persons & their spouses during the suicidal person’s psychiatric hospitalization, as well as on observations of marital interactions. Two analysts present evaluations of the cases. The 1st analyst describes the dynamics of the 2 relationships, while the 2nd recommends courses of marital & individual therapy.