Cultural aspects of suicide: The case of Japanese oyako shinju (Parent-child suicide)

Journal/Book: Arch Suicide Res. 1996; 2: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 87-102.

Abstract: The psychocultural view of suicide deals with it in terms of an interaction between personality and environment, especially the social resources available for the individual. Social resources are environmental factors that the individual can use for his tension-reduction and problem-solving. That social resources and personality are involved in Japanese suicide is illustrated by oyako shinju (''parent-child suicide'' in Japan; ''murder-suicide'' in the United States). It is concluded that social meanings attached to self-destructive behaviour is understandable only by personological, contextualized approaches to suicide.

Note: Article Iga M, 10919 Bismark Ave, Northridge,CA 91326 USA

Keyword(s): suicide; cultural aspects; Japan; oyako shinju

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