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- Title
An Inquiry into Relationship Suicides and Reciprocity.
- Authors
Davis, Mark S.; Callanan, Valerie J.; Lester, David; Haines, Janet
- Abstract
Few theories on suicide have been grounded in the norm of reciprocity. There is literature on suicide, however, describing motivations such as retaliation and retreat which can be interpreted as modes of adaptation to the norm of reciprocity. We propose a reciprocity-based theory to explain suicides associated with relationship problems. Employing a content analysis of suicide notes, we tested the theory, finding evidence of exploitation, exploiter guilt, retaliation, and retreat as motives for committing relationship-based suicide. Reciprocity-based note writers were more likely to have used alcohol or drugs in the hours prior to committing suicide, and they were also more likely to have made their intentions known beforehand. Implications for future research as well as for suicide prevention are discussed.
- Subjects
SUICIDAL behavior; SUBSTANCE abuse; SUICIDE prevention; AUTHORS; CAUSES of death; CONDUCT of life; DRUG abuse; SELF-destructive behavior; PERSONALITY disorders
- Publication
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 2009, Vol 39, Issue 5, p482
- ISSN
0363-0234
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1521/suli.2009.39.5.482