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Surviving the suicides of significant others: a case study
Maurizio Pompili1, David Lester, Eleonora De Pisa
1McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. maurizio.pompili@uniroma1.it
Crisis
|April 9, 2008
Summary
Psychological pain is a key factor in completed suicide. This case study examines a family experiencing escalating suicides linked to psychological pain, and discusses support for suicide loss survivors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Suicidology
Background:
- Psychological pain is a significant risk factor for completed suicide.
- Classical suicidology emphasizes psychological pain as a central construct.
Observation:
- This paper details a case study of a family with multiple suicides.
- Suicides within the family appeared to escalate due to increasing psychological pain.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a potential intergenerational cycle of suicide driven by psychological pain.
- Successive suicides in a family may exacerbate psychological distress in remaining members.
Implications:
- Understanding the role of psychological pain in familial suicide clusters is crucial.
- Effective support strategies for survivors of suicide loss need further development.
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