Chapter
The Psychology of Suicidal Behaviour (IN: The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide, edited by K Hawton & K van Heeringen)
Williams J M G~~Pollock L R
This chapter briefly reviews different psychological approaches to suicidal behaviour beginning with psychodynamic models. Personality variables that have been associated with suicidal behaviour are examined, focusing particularly on impulsivity. Drawing together contemporary research, the authors describe a recent model, the “cry of pain”. This model sees suicidal behaviour as an attempt to escape from a feeling of entrapment. The model provides a framework for understanding the psychological research & shows how psychology can create a bridge between research on social & biological factors. (66 refs.)