The Suicidal Mind (IN: Review of Suicidology, 1997, edited by R W Maris, M M Silverman & S S Canetto)

This chapter explains the author’s belief that most suicides in Judeo-Christian tradition stem from psychological pain which he dubs “psychache.” Physical pain & psychological pain are explored to see which contributes to suicide. The author’s own Psychological Pain Survey, suicide notes, & a personal example of psychache are given. Murray’s Psychological Need form & ratings of 20 known people are provided. Five main psychological clusters in which suicides fall are listed. (10 refs.)