On the Psychodynamics of Suicidal Behaviors

Abstract

In this chapter we present a clinical perspective about the psychodynamics of suicidal behaviours, empathising a cluster of elements related to the depressive personality that might help understanding these risky behaviours: object relations associated with feelings of rejection and guilt; a masochistic dimension and the need for atonement; a deficit in self-esteem; the anger against the object, that flows back on the self; a deep feeling of disconnection and a basic feeling of dissatisfaction; hopelessness; a decrease in libido – it is psychological pain, in a broad sense of the term, associated with the intolerability of the situation experienced by the person; still, the impulsiveness and the acting out as a way of denying or mitigate / "handle" suffering. This theoretical and clinical approach will be complemented and integrated with data from empirical research. In this chapter we also refer to the psychotherapeutic process and how it might help changing maladaptive object and self representations and promote psychological growth and development.