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Apocalyptic suicide: from a pathological to an eschatological interpretation
Simon Dein1, Roland Littlewood
1Department of Psychiatry , University College London, UK. s.dein@ucl.ac.uk
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|October 29, 2005
Summary
Apocalyptic suicide, where groups believe the world will end, involves a shift from personal to group identity. Understanding this requires examining social and ideological factors beyond individual psychology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Examines apocalyptic suicide, a phenomenon occurring in groups anticipating imminent world end.
- Identifies key case studies such as Jonestown, Waco, The Order of the Solar Temple, and Heaven's Gate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore multifaceted interpretations of apocalyptic suicide.
- To analyze the interplay of individual, social, and ideological factors.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search to identify paradigmatic cases.
- Analyzed ideological work and group dynamics.
Main Results:
- Apocalyptic suicide interpretations should extend beyond individual factors.
- Social and eschatological themes within group ideology are crucial.
- Dualist epistemology is a common ideological precursor.
Conclusions:
- Apocalyptic suicide signifies a transfer of personal agency to the group's collective self.
- Group-external interactions can precipitate religious violence, including suicide.