STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

An Explanatory study about Suicide and Disorganization.

Suicide has become one of the biggest social problems of our time affecting all our lives in one
way or the other. It is a day-to-day experience and everyday news in our society. Moreover this
still remains as a silent issue of discussion with less or no efforts being done to prevent or stop
this act. The society is silent in this issue, A year ago my best friend’s younger brother (of late
teens) committed suicide without leaving even a single word to his family or friends. I watched
my dear friend just taking the blame on himself. It was a terror moment even for me because I
was filled with many unanswered questions like – “Why did he simply have to end like this?”
“What will happen to him?” Basically this incident made me so much into the study on suicide.
This paper is a clear dissertation on the definition and types of suicide, the growth of the rates of
suicide, current rates of suicide the causes of suicide, some suicide notes and conclusion.

SUICIDE is defined as the deliberate killing of oneself. Tragically, suicide is a problem that
affects people of all ages. In fact, suicide is the most rapidly growing cause of death among
people, the National Center for Health Statistics ranked suicide as the third leading cause of
adolescent death. In addition, the number of recorded deaths by suicide is apparently an
underestimate of reality since a large number of completed suicides go unreported or are labeled
as accidents. WHO places on record that 1 million people die due to suicide every year. Other
experts measure that at least 5 million people are wiped out from the globe every year
due to suicide, which is more than any war, or natural disaster has claimed so far. It is third
commonest cause of death in the age group of 15-25 years. In India about one hundred per
thousand people die due to suicide, as per the government reports. There is raising trend
seen in children, adolescents and in women. Suicide is the second main cause of death in the
age group of 25 to 35 years, only next to the road traffic accidents. Suicide is now
understood as a “public health issue” world over. Suicide phenomenon is not merely
medical or social problem. It is primarily concerned with public health in terms of its
dimension,diversity,universalityandchallenges.
DISORGANIZATION

The disorganization of suicidal behavior or completed suicide on friends and family members are
often devastating. Individuals who lose a loved one to suicide (suicide survivors) are more at risk
for becoming preoccupied with the reason for the suicide while wanting to deny or hide the cause
of death, wondering if they could have prevented it, feeling blamed for the problems that
preceded the suicide, feeling rejected by their loved one, and stigmatized by others. Survivors
may experience a great range of conflicting emotions about the deceased, feeling everything
from intense emotional pain and sadness about the loss, helpless to prevent it, longing for the
person they lost, questioning of their own religious beliefs, and anger at the deceased for taking
their own life to relief if the suicide took place after years of physical or mental illness in their
loved one. This is quite understandable given that the person they are grieving is at the same time
the victim and the perpetrator of the fatal act. Individuals left behind by the suicide of a loved
one tend to experience complicated grief in reaction to that loss. Symptoms of grief that may be
experienced by suicide survivors include intense emotions, like depression and guilt, as well as
longings for the deceased, severely intrusive thoughts about the lost loved one, extreme feelings
of isolation and emptiness, avoiding doing things that bring back memories of the departed, new
or worsened appetite or sleep problems, and having no interest in activities that the sufferer used
to enjoy.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Like other researcher, the researcher in the present study will also analyze the previous literature
available on the given topic, which is of some relevance in the present study, some of them are:

In the article “Suicide Among the Young” that the amount of research on suicide among the
young has been considerable (despite an almost total lack of federal support), many of the studies
have been relatively unsophisticated, according to Alani Berman. For example, most of what
researchers have learned comes from the study of children who have attempted suicide. But
children who attempt suicide differ considerably from children who succeed in killing
themselves. Children who attempt suicide tend to be female, by a ratio of 4: 1; more than 90%
try to kill themselves by ingesting drugs; and they do not want to die. Children who succeed in
killing themselves tend to be male, by a ratio of 3:1; two-thirds of them kill themselves with
guns; and most of them are serious about seeking death.

In the article “Youth Suicide: Update on a Continuing Health Issue” found that violence
goes beyond violent methods of suicide. Youth who have experienced recent beatings, assaults,
or rapes become high risk individuals. The combination of youthful impulsiveness with
traumatic or stressful events may be deadly. Youth experience overwhelming shame, guilt, and
humiliation that destroy fragile adolescent egos. Impulsive and violent behaviour is often
exacerbated by alcohol or other chemical abuse that decreases the individual's ability to cope
with stressful situations. The recent upsurge in the macho image places the vulnerable individual
in a socially untenable position wherein that person is expected to deal directly with some
outside force. Unable to control the force, the person must escape from psychological pain, and
the result may be suicide. For example, rural youth seem to develop a feeling of responsibility
for their part in 'saving the farm" or in feeling that they cannot attend college because it would
strain family finance. For urban youth, the search for a job in an era of high teenage
unemployment frustrates their ability to have funds for social and necessary purchases, which
leaves them frustrated and alienated.

This article “School grades, parental education and suicide” focuses on the suicide rate of
teenager students who are depressed due to low grades in exam and not to do good performance
in academic. School performance is easily measured, at least in terms of school grades, and may
potentially be used in secondary prevention to identify those at-risk for suicide. However, studies
elucidating the relation between school grades and psychiatric health and suicide are scarce. A
few previously published studies show that poor school performance is more common among
suicidal youths. Alaraisanen et al found in their study of 11017 individuals that good school
performance was associated with decreased suicide risk.

In the article “Addressing Adolescent Depression: A Role for School Counselors” wrote

that to learning to recognize the symptoms and signs of depression in adolescents, the school
counsellor can initiate school-based prevention programs. Preventive activities may address
topics such as drug and alcohol use, physical and social development, and peer relationships.
Preventive efforts may involve primary, secondary, and tertiary. primary prevention targets the
entire population of adolescents in schools and focuses on normative events. The school
counsellor can organize school efforts to provide all students with information about how to

cope with the stresses of normal growth and development. Secondary prevention focuses on
Adolescents already exhibiting some signs of problems (Kazdin, 1993) as well as those exposed
to known risk factors. School counselors can conduct small group counseling with these at-risk
adolescents, focusing the group sessions on the specific problem (e.g., low self- esteem, social
isolation) or the particular risk factor.

In the article “Programs for the Prevention of Suicide Among Adolescent And young
Adults” found that Suicide prevention programs on the list were then categorized according to
the nature of the prevention strategy using a framework of eight suicide prevention strategies:
School gatekeeper training, Community gatekeeper training, General suicide education,
Screening programs, Peer support programs, Crisis centers and hotlines, Restriction of access to
lethal means, Intervention after a suicide.

Theoretical Framework

Social theories
-In an attempt to explain statistical patterns of suicide Emile Durkheim, a French
sociologist, divided the social theories into three categories: the egoistic, the altruistic and the
anomic.

3
Egoistic
This refers to those people who are not strongly integrated into any
social group. The lack of family integration explains why the unmarried
are more vulnerable to suicide than the married. It also explains why
couples with children are the best-protected group of all other groups
that were studied. Durkheim also believes that rural communities have
more social integration than urban areas, hence the low suicide rate.
Another example is that of Protestants versus Catholics. He believes
that Protestantism is a less cohesive religion than Catholicism, and
consequently the Protestants have higher suicide rates among their
members.
Altruistic
Durkheim believes that individuals who are philanthropic are prone to
suicide because of their excessive integration into a group. Suicide is
viewed as an outgrowth of that integration.
Anomic
This refers to social instability, with a breakdown in social standards
and values. It is believed that this group’s integration into society is
disturbed. Individuals in this group are thus deprived of customary
norms of behaviour. This explains why those who experience negative
changes in their economic fortunes are more vulnerable to suicideSocial theories -In an attempt
to explain statistical patterns of suicide Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, divided the social
theories into three categories: the egoistic, the altruistic and the anomic.
Egoistic Theory- This refers to those people who are not strongly integrated into any social
group. The lack of family integration explains why the unmarried are more vulnerable to suicide
than the married. It also explains why couples with children are the best-protected group of all
other groups that were studied. Durkheim also believes that rural communities have more social
integration than urban areas, hence the low suicide rate. Another example is that of Protestants
versus Catholics. He believes that Protestantism is a less cohesive religion than Catholicism, and
consequently the Protestants have higher suicide rates among their members. Teenagers are not
much integrated into social group. They lived in their own life. The main cause of suicide among
teenager lack of social integration

Altruistic Theory- Durkheim believes that individuals who are philanthropic are prone to
suicide because of their excessive integration into a group. Suicide is viewed as an outgrowth of
that integration. Now days people do not most probably philanthropist in nature that is another
cause of suicide.

Anomic Theory- This refers to social instability, with a breakdown in social standards and
values. It is believed that this group’s integration into society is disturbed. Individuals in this
group are thus deprived of customary norms of behaviour. This explains why those who
experience negative changes in their economic fortunes are more vulnerable to suicide. For
example in today’s life people are more experience negative changes in their economic fortunes
are more vulnerable to suicide that causes for suicide among people.

Psychological theories -The first important psychological insight into suicide was reported by
Freud. According to him suicide represents aggression turned inward against an “introjected”
object. This retroflexed murder is either turned inward or used as an excuse for punishment, or
self-directed death instincts, which he refers to as Thanatos. Freud identified three components
of hostility suicide: a wish to kill, a wish to be killed, and a wish to die. Freud also described
suicide as an aggression turned inward against an introjected ambivalently cathected loved object
and he doubted that there could be a suicide without any earlier repressed desire to kill someone
else. Menninger’s theory is built on Freud’s concept. He perceived suicide as inverted homicide
because of a patient’s anger towards another person. This retroflexed murder is either turned
inward or used as an excuse for punishment or a self-directed death.

SIGNIFICANCE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY OR RESEARCH PROBLEM

To study about the following

 Definition and types of Suicide, Current Rates of suicide, Top 10 highest Suicide rates of
world

 .Suicide rate in India, Statistic and Demographic presentation of suicide, Some suicide
Notes, we will also know about the disorganizations because of suicide.

We will also study about that what are the disorganizations because of suicide, what are the risk
factor and protective factors for suicide, what are the signs and symptom for suicide behavior,
How are suicidal thoughts and behavior assessed, what is treatment for suicidal thoughts and
behaviors, How can people cope with suicidal thoughts, How can people cope with the suicide of
a loved one, is it possible to prevent a suicide attempt and main causes of suicide. if we see
some causes of suicide –

.The death of loved one, A divorce separation or breakup of a relationship, Losing custody of
children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair, A serious loss, such as a loss of a job,
house, or money, serious illness. A terminal illness, A serious accident Chronic physical pain,
Intense emotional pain, Loss of hope, Being victimized (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc), A
loved one being victimized (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping, murder, rape, assault,
etc.),Physical abuse, Verbal abuse, Sexual abuse, Unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past,
Feeling "trapped" in a situation perceived as negative, Feeling that things will never "get better."
, Feeling helpless, Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration, Feeling
"taken advantage of.", Inability to deal with a perceived "humiliating" situation, Inability to
deal with a perceived "failure."(Marriage, Love-affairs, Examination), Alcohol abuse, Drug
abuse, A feeling of not being accepted by family, friends, or society, A horrible disappointment,
Feeling like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of another, Bullying.
(Adults, as well as children, can be bullied.), Low self-esteem.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

 To assess the factors, main cause leading to suicide attempt among people and
disorganizations because of suicide.

 To know about the Suicide rate in India, Statistic and Demographic presentation of
suicide.

 To knows about how are suicidal thoughts and behavior assessed, what is treatment for
suicidal thoughts and behavior?

 To know about how can people cope with suicidal thoughts, how can people cope with
the suicide of a loved one, is it possible to prevent a suicide attempt?

To knows about what are the risk and protective factors for suicide, what are the signs and
symptoms for suicide behavior?

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology adopted by researcher-

a)Study Area: The researcher will not conduct field research and will depend upon books,
articles, and the internet for the data required during the course of research. Special reference is
given to the Indian states and other countries for collecting data for this research.

b)Sources of Data: For this research, the author of the present article will depend upon secondary
Sources of data. The researcher will rely on books, various research paper, websites and
newspaper articles. Suicide data for many countries including India maintained by WHO.
 Tentative Chapterization

CHAPTER1: Introduction (Definition and types of Suicide)

CHAPTER 2: Factors, main cause leading to suicide attempt among people, Disorganizations
because of suicide, and some suicide notes.

CHAPTER3: Rates of Suicide (Top 10 Highest suicide rates of the world , suicide rate in India,
Statistics and Demographic presentation of suicide ).

CHAPTER4: Suicidal thoughts and behavior assessed, Treatment for suicidal thoughts and
behavior.

CHAPTER5: Risk and protective factors for suicide, Signs and symptoms for suicidal behavior.

CHAPTER6: How can people cope with suicidal thoughts, how can people cope with the
suicide of a loved one, is it possible to prevent a suicide attempt?

CHAPTER7: Conclusion/Suggestions.

CHAPTER8: Bibliography.

REFERENCES

. Caruso, Kevin. Suicide Causes, London: Barlow press, 1994

. Durkheim, E. Suicide, New York: Free Press, 1897

. Durkheim, Emile. Suicide: A Study in Sociology, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd., 1968
. Montgomery, S A and Goeting, Nicola L.M Eds., Current Approaches: Suicide and Attempted
Suicide; Risk Factors, Management and Prevention, Southampton: Duphar Laboratories Ltd.,
1991

.Menninger, Karl. Man Against Himself, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World Inc., 1938

. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, 2001

. Neale, Robert E. The Art of Dying, New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1973

. ‘Suicide’ The Oxford English Dictionary Vol-X, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1978

 Björkenstam, Charlotte;
Weitoft, Gunilla Ringbäck;
Hjern, Anders;
Nordström,Peter;
Hallqvist ,Johan;
Ljung ,Rickard (2011). School grades, parental education and suicide—a national
register-based cohort study, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health , Vol. 65,
No. 11 pp. 993-998
 Strother, Deborah Burnett (1986). Suicide Among the Young ,The Phi Delta Kappan,
Vol. 67, No. 10 pp. 756-759
 Rickgarn ,Ralph L.V. (1987). Youth Suicide: Update on a Continuing Health Issue,
Educational Horizons, Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 128-129
 Evans, Julia R.;
Velsor, Patricia Van;
E. Schumacher, Joseph (2002). Addressing Adolescent Depression: A Role for School
Counsellors, Professional School Counselling, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 211-219
 Carroll Patrick W. O';
Potter Lloyd B.;
Mercy James A(1994). Programs for the Prevention of Suicide Among Adolescents and
Young Adults, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports,
Vol. 43, No. RR-6 pp. 1, 3-7

. Internet sources:
. medicinenet.com/suicide/art

. En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide

. nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/.../why-indians-commit-suicide...

.www.amodmag.com/top-ten-countries-by-suicide-rate.php

. www.phrases.org.uk/quotes/last-words/suicide-notes.html

• Emile Durkheim (1987)

Altruistic
Anomic
Egoistic
Fatalism
.