ABSTRACT
This article describes the application of a dual-regulation model to a case example of a female suicide attempter. The model complements the traditional goal-and-feedback view with self-organizing processes, which may help to better understand the suicidal process. From this view, impulsive suicidal behavior can be interpreted as a dysfunctional pattern by which high-internal tension is reduced through self-organized processes. High tension might result from intrapersonal factors and adverse life conditions, by which self-regulation is depleted. Also concepts from social psychology (i.e., ego depletion, self-regulation failure) are consistent with this view and are discussed in context of a suicidal crisis. Identifying dysfunctional self-organization processes and acquiring strategies to strengthen self-regulation might, therefore, be important for suicide prevention.
Subject(s)
Self-Control/psychology , Suicide/psychology , Adult , Female , HumansABSTRACT
Limited research exists on internal risk processes in suicide attempters and factors that distinguish them from nonsuicidal depressive individuals. In this qualitative study, we investigated Plans, motives, and underlying self-regulatory processes of the two groups and conducted a comparative analysis. We analyzed narrative interviews of 17 suicide attempters and intake interviews of 17 nonsuicidal depressive patients using Plan Analysis. Then, we developed a prototypical Plan structure for both groups. Suicidal behavior serves various Plans found only in suicide attempters. Plans of this group are especially related to social perfectionism and withdrawal to protect their self-esteem. Depressive patients use several interpersonal control and coping strategies, which might help prevent suicidal behavior. The prototypical Plan structure of suicide attempters may be a valuable tool for clinicians to detect critical Plans and motives in their interaction with patients, which are related to suicide risk.
