Using the differentiation between explanations & understanding from philosophy of science as the point of departure, a critical look at the current mainstream suicidological research was launched. An almost exclusive use of quantitative methodology focusing on explanations is demonstrated. This bias in scope & methodology has to a large extent taken the suicidological field into a dead-end of repetitious research. It is argued that an increased focus on understanding & thus extended use of qualitative methodology is essential in bring the suicidological field forward. (37 refs.)