Year: 2007 Source: Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, v.44, no.4, (2007), p.266-279 SIEC No: 20090842

This paper focuses on theoretical, empirical, & clinical accounts of self-destructive processes in the general population, with a particular focus on suicidal individuals. The theoretical perspective includes views on self-destruction as: a motivated wish or need; an outcome of emotional distress; an outcome of distorted cognitions; & as a general personality feature. These studies show that in each case, there is more than one self-destructive process at work. It is suggested suicidal behaviour does not only evolve from external pressure & negative life events; rather, self-destructive tendencies may produce unbearable mental pain that culminates in suicidal behaviour. (69 refs.)