[Hypothesis on suicidal behavior as interpersonal communication.]

Traditionnaly, suicidal behavior has been analysed through its individual and intrapsychic components and by its links with economic and social factors. To consider suicide as a message to the environment, then by highlighting its communicationnal aspect, is a new trend in the field. In fact, suicide often has a profound impact on the personal environment of the suicidal person. We therefore set forth the following hypothesis : suicide myths and tabous might be a social rationalization and defense mechanism against the violent impact of suicidal behavior. This paper explores the communication view point of suicidal behavior which interestingly open up new possibilities in the research and intervention on suicide.