Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
05:42
The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior
Published on: March 2, 2015
Summary
Rational suicide, often presumed rare due to mental illness, may be more common. Planned, communicated suicides with non-violent means are likely undercounted in suicidology research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Psychiatry
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicidology commonly assumes 'rational' suicides are rare, attributing suicidal intent to compromised competence from mental illness.
- Netherlands and Flanders report thousands of annual euthanasia/assisted suicide cases where patient competence is medically confirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconcile the discrepancy between the presumed rarity of rational suicide and the high number of medically assisted deaths.
- To propose a framework for understanding different types of suicide based on planning, communication, and method.
Main Methods:
- Distinguishing between two types of suicide based on observable characteristics.
- Analyzing the implications of these distinctions for suicidology and suicide registration.
Main Results:
- Two distinct types of suicide are identified: one characterized by impulsive, uncommunicated, violent actions (presumed incompetence), and another with opposite characteristics (planned, communicated, non-violent).
- Suicides of the second type are likely underrepresented in suicidology data as they are often not registered as suicides.
Conclusions:
- The common view in suicidology may overlook a significant category of 'rational' suicides.
- Further research is needed to identify and study these 'invisible' suicides to gain a more comprehensive understanding of suicidal behavior.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:21Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross significantly advanced psychology's understanding of the process of dying with her influential book, On Death and Dying (1969). She focused on studying terminally ill individuals and outlined five stages commonly experienced when coping with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
01:14Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the anxiety of...
01:30Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...