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A note of suicidal behaviors among intimates
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Following a suicide, a close friend or relative may attempt suicide within a month, often using a similar method. This highlights the contagious nature of suicide and the need for support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide contagion, also known as the Werther effect, describes the phenomenon where suicide or suicide attempts increase following public exposure to suicide.
- Understanding the risk factors and patterns of suicide contagion is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Observation:
- This report details four cases out of 62 where a suicide attempt by a significant other occurred within one month of a suicide.
- The individuals who attempted suicide were relatives or intimate friends of the deceased.
Findings:
- In these four cases, the suicide attempts by friends or relatives often employed methods similar to the original suicide.
- This suggests a potential imitative or contagious element in the choice of method.
Implications:
- These findings underscore the importance of targeted mental health support for individuals close to those who have died by suicide.
- Intervention strategies should consider the potential for imitative behavior and the need for immediate psychosocial support.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and prevalence of suicide contagion in intimate social networks.