Project:
Causes
& Prevention of Suicide
IF YOU USE PERSONAL EXAMPLES IN THIS FORUM,
DO NOT USE REAL NAMES OR MAKE ANY REMARKS THAT
MAY IDENTIFY PERSONS OR EVENTS.
Examples from the news may be used w/ identifiers.
1. Durkheim's study on suicide demonstrated that
'the most personal act' of suicide has not only psychological, but social
causes. In this forum, evaluate & discuss Durkheim's views on
the cause of suicide.
While the Lecture Review Notes have a more complete discussion
of Durkheim's views, a summary is found below.
I would also encourage you to look at the Supplementary
Material in the lecture notes on the Suicide Risk Assessment,
the Highland Cavalier article on the level of suicide, & other articles.
Broadly speaking, for Durkheim suicide may be caused by
a. a lack of integration into society, ie being
isolated. Example:
lonely teenager
b. being too integrated into society, ie being
smothered Example: 'mindless'
cult member or gang member
c. a lack of regulation by society, ie too much
freedom Example: reckless 'party
animal'
d. being too regulated by society, ie be over controlled
Example: prisoner
2. So what is to be done?
While we should all be on the look out for a friend or
acquaintance that may be giving indications they are suicidal, these are
preventative steps that respond to symptoms.
(See the Suicide Risk Assessment in the Supplementary
Material in the lecture notes)
The challenge is to change society to stop the causes.
How can we do this?
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