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Suicide and infantile fixations

J Richman

    Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
    |January 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infantile fixations on early relationships are linked to suicidal behavior, especially when traumatic or repetitive. Psychotherapy should address these ties gently to reduce self-hatred and facilitate healing.

    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Psychiatry
    • Psychoanalysis

    Background:

    • Infantile fixations on primary parental figures are a key factor in suicidal situations.
    • The quality and pattern of these early relationships significantly influence suicidal behavior.

    Observation:

    • Suicidal behavior is associated with the presence, degree, and traumatic nature of infantile fixations.
    • Rigid and repetitive patterns characterize these infantile attachments.
    • Case studies illustrate the conflict between infantile fixations and attempts to form new attachments.

    Findings:

    • The traumatic quality and repetitive nature of infantile fixations are strongly linked to suicidal behavior.
    • Patterns of relating to similarly fixated individuals exacerbate the suicidal situation.
    • Attempts to change attachments often conflict with deeply ingrained infantile patterns.

    Implications:

    • Psychotherapy should aim to reduce anxiety and self-hatred tied to infantile attachments.
    • Temporary regression can facilitate the transformation of fixations and promote mastery.
    • Accepting, rather than confronting, a suicidal patient's infantile patterns is crucial for therapeutic progress.

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