Microsuicide and the Elderly: a Basic Defense Against Death Anxiety (IN: Death Attitudes and the Older Adult: Theories, Concepts and Applications, edited by A Tomer)

“Microsuicide” refers to those behaviours, communications, attitudes, or lifestyles that are threatening, limiting, or antithetical to an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, or personal goals. This chapter examines microsuicidal behaviours prevalent in society & analyzes the underlying negative thought process or “voice” that controls or strongly influences them. Manifestations of microsuicide such as increased involvement in an inward lifestyle or behaviours that adversely affect physical health are outlined & discussed. It is argued a wide variety of microsuicidal behaviours & thought processes are related to defenses against death anxiety & that social institutions & mores support these behaviours. (46 refs.)