Deck 10: Suicide

Question 1

What are the causes of suicide in the college environment?

Answer 1

There are several potential causes of suicide in the college environment. These can include academic pressure and stress, social isolation, mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, substance abuse, financial difficulties, and relationship problems. The transition to college life can also be a significant factor, as students may struggle to adapt to the new environment and the increased independence. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues and a lack of access to adequate support and resources on campus can also contribute to the risk of suicide among college students. It's important for colleges and universities to prioritize mental health awareness and support services in order to address these underlying causes and prevent suicide in the college environment.

Question 2

How did Emile Durkheim explain motivation for suicide?

Answer 2

Emile Durkheim explained the motivation for suicide through his theory of social integration and regulation. He argued that suicide rates are influenced by the level of social integration and regulation within a society.

According to Durkheim, individuals are more likely to commit suicide when they feel either too integrated or too isolated from society. When individuals are overly integrated, meaning they are heavily influenced by social norms and expectations, they may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with the pressures of conformity. On the other hand, when individuals are isolated and lack social connections, they may feel disconnected and purposeless, leading to an increased risk of suicide.

Durkheim also emphasized the role of social regulation in influencing suicide rates. He suggested that when there is a lack of regulation or control over individuals' behavior, such as during times of social upheaval or rapid social change, suicide rates may increase as individuals struggle to find stability and meaning in their lives.

Overall, Durkheim's explanation for the motivation for suicide focused on the impact of social factors on individuals' mental well-being and their likelihood of engaging in self-destructive behavior.

Question 3

What would you do if a friend said that they were thinking of committing suicide?

Answer 3

If a friend confided in me that they were thinking of committing suicide, I would take their words very seriously and act with urgency and compassion. Here's what I would do:

1. **Stay Calm and Listen**: I would try to remain calm and let my friend know that I am there for them. I would listen to them without judgment, allowing them to express their feelings and thoughts.

2. **Express Concern**: I would tell them that I am concerned about them and that their life is important to me. I would reassure them that their feelings are valid, but that suicide is not the solution to their problems.

3. **Ask Direct Questions**: I would gently ask them if they have a plan for how they would commit suicide, if they have the means to do it, and if they have thought about when they would do it. This information is crucial for assessing the immediacy of the risk.

4. **Encourage Them to Seek Help**: I would encourage them to seek professional help immediately. This could be from a mental health professional, a doctor, a counselor, or a helpline. If they are unwilling, I would offer to help them make an appointment or to go with them for support.

5. **Do Not Leave Them Alone**: If I believe the threat is immediate, I would stay with my friend or ensure that they are in a safe environment where they are not alone. If I am not physically there, I would try to get in touch with someone who can be with them.

6. **Remove Potential Means**: If it is safe to do so, I would try to remove any means that they might use to harm themselves, such as weapons, medications, or other dangerous items.

7. **Contact Authorities**: If my friend is in immediate danger and I cannot get them to a safe situation, I would not hesitate to contact emergency services for help. This could be calling 911, a suicide prevention hotline, or contacting their family members if appropriate.

8. **Follow Up**: After the immediate crisis has been addressed, I would continue to check in on my friend regularly. I would encourage them to continue seeking help and to develop a support system.

9. **Take Care of Yourself**: Supporting someone who is suicidal can be emotionally draining. I would make sure to take care of my own mental health by seeking support from other friends, family, or a professional if needed.

It's important to remember that while you can offer support and help to someone who is suicidal, you are not responsible for their actions. Professional help is crucial, and the best thing you can do is guide them towards it and support them through the process.

Question 4

Should suicide be against the law?

Question 5

In ancient societies, suicide was never permitted or encouraged.

Question 6

Some early Christians viewed suicide as a way to escape to the joys of salvation.

Question 7

Currently, the religions of Judaism and Islam do not regard suicide as a sin.

Question 8

Freud saw suicide as the result of inwardly directed aggression and hostility.

Question 9

Durkheim's "altruistic" suicidal persons were motivated by individualistic reasons.

Question 10

According to Durkheim, "anomic" suicide occurred because of changes in the nature of society.

Question 11

Gibbs and Martin developed a theory of suicidal behavior based on "community migration."

Question 12

China is the only nation where suicide rates for women are higher than rates for men.

Question 13

Around 1.3% of all deaths in the USA are the result of suicide.

Question 14

The SAD PERSONS scale is a system of biological risk factors.

Question 15

In the USA, suicide rates are lower around Christmas time.

Question 16

The term ___________ refers to suicide rate increases associated with dramatic media events.

Question 17

___________ has been the principle promoter of physician-assisted suicide.

Question 18

Another term for "mercy killing" is ___________.

Question 19

Which of the following is associated with a mass suicide during Roman times?

A) Saipan
B) hara-kiri
C) Masada
D) Guyana
E) all of the above

Question 20

A suicide bomber would fall into which of Durkheim's categories?:

A) Altruistic
B) egoistic
C) anomic
D) fatalistic
E) none of the above

Question 21

Correlates of suicide include:

A) age
B) sex
C) sexual orientation
D) b and c only
E) a ,b, and c

Question 22

Warning signs include:

A) talking about suicide
B) giving away prized possessions
C) increasing use of alcohol
D) both a and b
E) a, b, and c