Suicide and internalised relationships: a study from the perspective of psychotherapists working with suicidal patients

Journal/Book: Brit J Guid Couns. 1999; 27: Rankine Rd, Basingstoke Rg24 8Pr, Hants, England. Carfax Publishing. 85-98.

Abstract: A Study was conducted into the personal meanings of suicide. It is recognised that early experiences of relationships can have a bearing upon a later tendency towards suicide. This project investigated the representations which these relationships take on within the person's inner world and their effect upon the person's behaviour. One hundred psychotherapists were surveyed by means of a postal questionnaire, regarding their work with suicidal patients. Five follow-up interviews were conducted. The main themes that Emerged in the patients' relationships were rejection, invasion and engulfment. These were experienced as forms of abandonment. Incidents involving loss or rejection in the patients' present life were found to re-activate these earlier relationships.

Note: Article Richards BM, Univ Reading, Dept Profess Educ Community Studies, Reading RG6 1HY, Berks, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): BEHAVIOR

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