Related Experiment Videos
The self-deception of the self-destructive
1Illinois State University, Normal.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors are distinct, with different underlying factors. Suicide-prone individuals are aware of their tendencies, while self-destructive individuals exhibit higher dogmatism and less self-awareness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Distinguishing between suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Understanding the psychological correlates of these distinct constructs is essential for mental health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differences and relationships between suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors in college students.
- To explore the influence of self-attitudes, value for life, beliefs about suicide, religiosity, and dogmatism on these behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Survey research involving 317 college students.
- Measurement of suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors.
- Assessment of self-attitudes, value for life, beliefs about suicide and self-destruction, religiosity, and dogmatism.
- Correlational and factor analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors are not synonymous and are associated with different psychological profiles.
- Suicide-prone individuals demonstrate awareness of their tendencies, influenced by their value for life and beliefs.
- Self-destructive individuals exhibit negative self-evaluations, lower awareness of their tendencies, and higher dogmatism.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest distinct pathways leading to suicide proneness and self-destructive behaviors.
- Dogmatism may play a role in the self-destructive individual's ability to deny negative self-attitudes and maintain unawareness of contradictory behaviors.