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Suicidal persons and their partners: individual and interpersonal dynamics.
S S Canetto1, L B Feldman, R L Lupei
1Northwestern University Medical School.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study explored the dynamics of suicidal individuals and their partners, finding distinct patterns in their individual functioning and disturbed communication. Suicidal partners often perceived themselves as disabled, yet shared hidden dependency traits with their well-functioning partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Family Studies
Background:
- Suicidal behavior impacts not only the individual but also their close relationships.
- Understanding couple dynamics is crucial for developing effective interventions for suicidal individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the individual and interpersonal dynamics within couples where one partner has exhibited suicidal behavior.
- To explore the perceived and actual functioning of both suicidal and non-suicidal partners.
Main Methods:
- Interviewed 21 couples (suicidal person and partner) during psychiatric hospitalization.
- Administered individual and interpersonal functioning tests to each partner.
Main Results:
- Couples displayed complementarity in overt functioning but similarity in covert functioning.
- Suicidal partners were perceived as disabled, while non-suicidal partners were seen as well-functioning.
- Both partners showed similar covert tendencies toward anclitic, dependent object relations, and communication was often disturbed.
Conclusions:
- Couple dynamics in suicidal situations involve complex individual and interpersonal patterns.
- Findings suggest an integrative model considering both individual and relational factors in suicidal behavior.
- Interventions may need to address both individual vulnerabilities and relational communication patterns.