Suicide Flashcards
What are common societal attitudes toward people who attempt suicide?
Negative social attitudes often isolate suicidal individuals
They may feel limited in life opportunities and reluctant to seek help
Over half of those who died by suicide did not seek health care in the month before their death
How do American attitudes toward suicide vary by demographic factors?
Males, whites, more educated, less religious, and politically liberal individuals find suicide more acceptable
Suicide is generally more accepted in cases of incurable disease
Acceptance was higher in the 2010s than in the 1980s
How do South Korean and America college students differ in their attitudes toward suicide?
South Korean students are more permissive toward suicide and less supportive of intervention
South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates globally
What are the differences between suicide attempters and completers?
Completers are more likely to use drugs/alcohol, leave notes, and face job/financial stress
Both groups experience depression, interpersonal conflicts, and fatigue
About one-third of completers were previously attempters
What factors make it difficult to predict or interpret suicide intent?
Suicide has a low statistical occurrence, leading to high false positives
Many attempts are cries for help, coping mechanisms, or manipulative acts rather than genuine death intent
Intent can be unclear due to ambivalence, impulsivity, or lack of knowledge about lethality
What is required for a patient to request medication for assisted death?
The patient must submit a written request, signed and dated, to the attending doctor before the second oral request and at least 48 hours before medication may be prescribed or dispensed
How did Sigmund Freud choose to end his life?
Suffering from cancer, Freud asked his doctor, Max Schur, to inject him with a lethal dose of morphine when his pain became unbearable. He received two doses, lapsed into a coma, and passed away peacefully at age 83
What are the characteristics of double suicides according Cohen (1961)?
More common among older, married, and ill individuals
Often involve a spousal relationship that is exceptionally close and mutually dependent
Negative factors include aging, illness, and mental suffering
Typically initiated by the man, sometimes under coercion
What are the six characteristics of mass suicides?
Strong group allegiance, with members prioritizing the group over individuals selves
Led by a charismatic leader deciding the terms of suicide
Perceived threat or persecution from the outside world
Isolation rom larger society
Focus on the soul or spiritual transformation
Coercion and murder of defectors or unwilling members
What is self-immolation, and give two examples?
Self-immolation is the deliberate and willing sacrifice of oneself, often by fire
Thich Quang Duc: Protested Buddhist persecution by the South Vietnamese government
Mohamed Bouazizi: Sparked political crises after setting himself on fire to protest living conditions
