Suicidal action and sacrificial violence: systemic and anthropological hypothesis
Pochard, F.; Robin, M.; Faessel, A.I.; Kannas, S.
L'Encephale 25(4): 296-303
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-7006 PMID: 10546084 Document Number: 505901
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.