["Suicidal intentions": literature review and perspectives]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Context:

• The study critically reviews international empirical literature on the functions of suicide attempts, building upon Baechler's "strategic theory of suicide" and earlier work by Stengel and Cook.
• Research on suicidal functions has expanded significantly since the 1970s, with the development of specific questionnaires like the Motives for Parasuicide Questionnaire (MPQ) and Reasons for Attempting Suicide Questionnaire (RASQ).

Purpose:

• To critically review the international empirical literature on the functions of suicide attempts.
• To synthesize findings on the motivations and intentions behind suicide attempts.
• To identify gaps and suggest future research directions in understanding suicidal behavior.

Summary:

• International literature indicates that common motivations for suicide attempts include seeking relief from internal distress, escaping unbearable situations, and loss of control.
• Interpersonal intentions, such as communicating feelings or seeking help, are frequently reported, while aggressive or manipulative functions are less common.
• Women report a wider range of reasons for suicide attempts than men, though their patterns of intention do not differ. Desire to die varies, with limited consistent distinctions based on age, gender, or suicidal history.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the importance of considering diverse motivations in suicide attempt research and clinical practice.
• The study underscores the need for developing and validating research tools in France and internationally to better understand suicidal functions.
• Future research could explore links between suicidal attempts, coping strategies, and their potential cathartic effects, informing psychotherapeutic care.