As a complicated and varied occurrence, suicide presents an obstacle to scholars in terms of definitional concerns, categorization, and reasoning, as well as in converting conceptual knowledge into practical preventive efforts. The intricacy of suicidal research is further increased by numerous disciplinary viewpoints on causative connections stressing various areas of susceptibility and mitigating factors. The purpose of the study is to summarize the main theoretical views on suicidal conduct and review the perspectives involved with it.
Suicide is the deliberate self-infliction of harm to die. When someone damages oneself intending to end their life but does not pass away as a consequence of such acts, it is considered a suicide attempt. The most significant indicators of suicide are suicidal ideation and actions (Turecki et al.). These include frequently considering suicide, formulating plans, practicing or prepping for attempted suicide, and actually trying suicide. Suicidal behavior or thinking can raise the chance of suicide, but a single factor triggers neither. There is a link between suicide and other types of harm and aggression. Distressing events can result in intense sentiments of grief and helplessness and heighten the likelihood of suicide for an individual who already has difficulties with mental health, like depression or anxiety.
Major psychological, and financial effects result from suicide and attempted suicide. Suicide attempt survivors may sustain severe wounds that could have a protracted negative impact on their wellbeing. Additionally, they could struggle with depressive episodes and other psychological issues. The incredible thing is that most of those who self-harm and live do not ultimately die by suicide. Friends, family, colleagues, and society are affected by suicide and suicide efforts regarding their health and welfare. When someone commits suicide, their remaining loved ones and friends may feel stunned, furious, guilty, depressive or anxious, or even showcase suicidal tendencies.
From the psychological perspective, a few factors that result in suicide are mentioned above, which include mental illness, depression, and anxiety. Men commit suicide at a greater rate than women. Conversely, women are more likely than men to attempt suicide (Turecki et al.). There is growing evidence that other psychological elements, such as individual attributes, temperamental features, and instability, may also be essential in the impairment seen in suicidal people (Button and Marsh 15). Suicide can be understood as a conduct driven by the need to end excruciating psychological suffering.
An important part of what causes suicides is interpersonal interactions. It was established on the premise that individuals interpret suicide to be both societal conduct and cultural practice. According to Joiner’s interpersonal theory of suicide, projected burdensomeness and hindered sense of connectedness are two critical social factors that may cause suicidal thoughts and ultimately result in suicide (Button and Marsh 15). A primary healthcare practitioner is consulted by about 45% of persons who want to take their own lives without disclosing their intentions to commit suicide (Turecki et al.). This research emphasizes the importance of messaging problems in people’s perception of suicide risk.
The philosophical viewpoint raises questions about the morality of suicide because it includes analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of a suggested act of suicide before deciding whether it is ultimately beneficial or not. The belief that a terminal condition is a valid defense for suicide is common. The rationale for this is that other factors working against an individual’s suicide are outweighed by the detrimental value of their endurance to suffer and lose their honor (Turecki et al.). Many people, however, would dispute this viewpoint since they believe that individual suffering does not determine the essential meaning of life. According to certain moral philosophers, it is not justified to stop reasonable people from taking their own lives when they do it on these kinds of grounds.
Since suicide is a result of a broken connection between a person and society, it is also a social issue. Suicide has been a concern in civilization for many generations. In particular, in war-torn nations or in places where people have witnessed traumatic wartime events, the victims and veterans are more susceptible to suicide because the effects of war continue to consume them long after they leave the conflict zones (Cwik et al. 16). In the same way, those who identify as homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual also frequently commit suicide compared to their peers who are heterosexual since they are susceptible to victimization by society and criticism which humiliates them (Button and Marsh 15). Despite the numerous changes made to include LGBTQ+ people, they continue to face social criticism throughout time.
Suicidal thinking and behaviors can be reduced by having simple accessibility to medical care, family and societal support connections, and things that relate to connectedness. In summary, researchers want to increase the understanding of suicide by pinpointing certain traits that might support focused preventative measures, rehabilitation techniques, and initiatives. Enhancing public awareness of these issues may aid medical professionals and academics in developing targeted preventative tactics and techniques that will eventually aid in reducing suicide rates globally and provide relief for all individuals battling suicidal ideas and behavior.
Works Cited
Cwik, Mary, et al. “Community Perspectives on Social Influences on Suicide within a Native American Reservation.” Qualitative Health Research, vol. 32, no. 1, 2021, pp. 16–30.
Button, Mark and Marsh Ian, editors. Suicide and Social Justice: New Perspectives on the Politics of Suicide and Suicide Prevention. 1st ed., Routledge, 2019
Turecki, Gustavo, et al. “Suicide and Suicide Risk.” Nature Reviews Disease Primers, vol. 5, no. 1, 2019.