[Suicidal action and sacrificial violence: systemic and anthropological hypothesis]

Encephale. 1999 Jul-Aug;25(4):296-303.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Studies concerning suicidal behavior show practical limitations of epidemiology and risk factor analysis. Suicidal behaviour is usually considered as a consequence of mental disease, but suicide cannot be studied without addressing the context of the acting-out. Suicide attempt can be interpreted as a thematic relational act, in which the central phenomenon is anger. Using the anthropological hypothesis of scapegoating described by René Girard and a theoretical systemic approach, we propose a vision of suicide attempts in a micro-social context, offering a new interpretation of the acting-out. Application of the hypothesis to the suicidal context shows that suicidal behavior may be considered as a relationship modality. The understanding of rivalry mechanisms and integration of care in a context which takes account of the complexity of suicidal behaviour offers the possibility of developing potentially valuable approaches to prevention.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acting Out*
  • Anger
  • Anthropology, Cultural*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Motivation
  • Scapegoating
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide, Attempted / prevention & control
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*
  • Violence / prevention & control
  • Violence / psychology*