Durkheim's Suicide Model

1052 Words5 Pages

EXPLORING THE SUICIDE PHENOMENON: BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNSELING PROGRAM

Bonna S. Palma, Ed.D.
West Visayas State University
La Paz, Iloilo City Philippines

Abstract

This qualitative study conducted in May 2010 sought to find out the characteristics of the eight suicide attempters, the precipitating factors that trigger them to attempt suicide, their coping mechanisms, the role of significant others in their health, the insights gained from the experience and the post intervention services availed after the incident. Data gathering strategies used were the researcher-made interview guide and the focused-group discussions using photo essay which summarized the commonalities among the informants. The informants were college students …show more content…

He argues that suicide rates are related to social integration – that is, the degree to which an individual feels part of a larger group. Durkheim found suicide is more likely when a person lacks social bonds or has relationships disrupted through a sudden change in status, such as …show more content…

This model has been reformulated in the last 20 years as the stress-vulnerability-protective factors model, particularly by Dr. Robert P. Liberman and his colleagues in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation (Barlow and Durand, 1998).
In the diathesis-stress model, a biological or genetic vulnerability or predisposition (diathesis) interacts with the environment and life events (stressors) to trigger behaviors or psychological disorders. The greater the underlying vulnerability, the less stress is needed to trigger the behavior or disorder. Conversely, where there is a smaller genetic contribution, greater life stress is required to produce the particular result.

This study aimed to delve into the suicide phenomenon that has remained a major problem worldwide. Specifically, the study sought answers to the following questions:
1. Who are the suicide attempters? What are their characteristics?
2. What are the precipitating factors that trigger an individual to attempt suicide?
3. How do suicide attempters cope with the aftermath?
4. What is the role of significant others in their healing?
5. What insights do the informants have gained from their suicide attempts? How do these affect their personality?
6. Were there some post-intervention services offered or availed of after the

Open Document