Impulsivity, Aggression, and Associated Affects: Relationship to Self-Destructive Behavior and Suicide (IN: Assessment and Prediction of Suicide, edited by R W Maris et al)

This chapter reviews theories & studies of the relationship between human aggression & suicide, & between genetics & development with regard to suicidal behaviours. It notes increasing evidence that both psychiatric & medical conditions may contribute to, or create a vulnerability to suicidality. The extent to which aggressive & suicidal behaviours may be attributed to family instability vs biological variables is important for both pathophysiological & therapeutic considerations. (102 Refs.)