THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
102
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AND ITS ESSENCE
Turumbetovа Zаmirа Yusupbаevnа
PhD, аssociаte professor
Depаrtment of Generаl Pedаgogy аnd psychology
Kаrаkаlpаk stаte university, Nukus, Uzbekistаn, Kаrаkаlpаkstаn
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15364237
Аnnotаtion
: This аrticle deals with psychological foundations and essence
of suicidal behavior. It delves into the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral
aspects that contribute to suicidal ideation and attempts. By analyzing key
theories, risk factors such as mental illness, trauma, and social isolation are
discussed. The article also highlights warning signs, psychological patterns, and
the role of protective factors in prevention. Special attention is given to
therapeutic strategies and the importance of early intervention. Through a
comprehensive review of psychological literature, the article aims to deepen the
understanding of suicidal behavior and promote effective measures for reducing
suicide rates.
Key Words
: psychology, suicidal behavior, society, mental, health,
challenges.
Introduction
. Understanding the psychology of suicidal behavior is crucial
in today’s society, where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent.
Suicide not only results in the loss of life but also leaves deep psychological scars
on families, communities, and societies. Studying the psychological roots, risk
factors, and emotional states that lead individuals to suicidal actions is essential
for developing effective prevention, intervention, and support strategies.
Through a deeper exploration of the essence of suicidal behavior, mental health
professionals, educators, policymakers, and society at large can create safer
environments, offer timely assistance, and reduce the stigma associated with
seeking help.
Literаture Review
. In the following, we will analyze several psychological
theories attempt to explain why individuals engage in suicidal behavior:
Durkheim’s Sociological Theory [5]: Emphasizes the role of social
integration and regulation. He identified egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic
suicides based on the individual's relationship with society.
Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide [6]: Proposes that suicide results
when individuals feel a sense of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted
belongingness, and acquire the capability for lethal self-harm through
habituation to pain and fear.
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The Cognitive Model [2]: Focuses on the presence of cognitive distortions,
such as hopelessness and negative thought patterns, that drive suicidal ideation.
Escape Theory [1]: Suggests that suicide is seen as a means to escape
unbearable self-awareness and emotional pain.
Risk Factors:
Mental Illness: Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality
disorders are strongly correlated with increased suicide risk. Studies show that
up to 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric
disorder [4].
Trauma: Experiences such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, military
combat, and other traumatic events significantly raise suicide risk. Trauma often
leads to PTSD and complex grief, which intensify suicidal thoughts.
Social Isolation: Loneliness, rejection, or a lack of meaningful social
connections are profound risk factors. Social disconnectedness, especially
among adolescents and the elderly, can lead to feelings of purposelessness and
despair [7].
Warning Signs: Verbal cues such as talking about death or wanting to die.
Behavioral changes like withdrawal from activities, giving away possessions, or
increased substance use. Emotional shifts including heightened irritability,
depression, hopelessness, or rage.
Psychological Patterns:
Hopelessness: A strong predictor of suicidal ideation and behavior [3].
Impulsivity and Aggression: Particularly linked to suicide attempts in
younger populations.
Perfectionism: Unrealistic self-demands and fear of failure are common
traits among individuals at risk.
Protective Factors:
Strong family and community support networks.
Access to mental health care and interventions.
Problem-solving and coping skills training.
Religious and cultural beliefs that discourage suicide.
Sense of purpose and connectedness to others
.
Furthermore, the causes behind suicidal behavior remain not fully
understood, but it is clear that this behavior stems from the complex interplay of
multiple factors. Although various risk factors have been identified, they do not
fully explain why individuals attempt to end their lives. This review highlights
recent advancements in theoretical, clinical, and empirical psychological
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
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research concerning the origins of suicidal thoughts and actions, placing
particular emphasis on the critical role of psychological elements. Factors such
as personality traits, cognitive processes, social influences, and adverse life
experiences significantly contribute to suicidal behavior. Despite this, the
majority of individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or behavior do not receive
professional help. While some research indicates that cognitive and behavioral
therapies may lower the risk of repeated suicide attempts, there is still very
limited knowledge regarding protective factors against suicide. Therefore, there
is an urgent need to develop new psychological and psychosocial interventions
[8].
DISCUSSION
. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, yet it is
still poorly understood and under-researched. Based on existing findings from
both neurobiological and psychological fields, two primary categories of suicide
risk emerge: (a) impaired impulse control and (b) heightened susceptibility to
intense psychological pain (such as feelings of social isolation or hopelessness),
typically occurring within the context of mental illnesses, particularly mood
disorders. These risk factors are at least partially influenced by specific genetic
and neurobiological mechanisms, although these mechanisms remain
insufficiently defined. There is growing agreement, however, that many of these
factors are associated with the serotonergic system. The authors advocate for
future research that is both conceptually rigorous and broadly scoped, aiming to
explain the complex range of suicide-related phenomena from molecular biology
to cultural influences [10].
Suicidal behavior remains one of the leading causes of injury and death
across the globe. Understanding its epidemiology is critical for shaping effective
policies and preventive strategies. In their study, the authors analyzed
government statistics on suicide and carried out a systematic review of research
published between 1997 and 2007 concerning the epidemiology of suicidal
behavior. Suicide rates are higher among men, while nonfatal suicidal behaviors
are more common among women, young individuals, unmarried people, and
those with psychiatric disorders [11]. Although the number of individuals
receiving treatment for suicidal tendencies has risen over the past decade,
overall rates of suicidal behavior have remained largely stable. Most existing
epidemiological research has concentrated on identifying prevalence patterns
and associated factors. Future research should prioritize studying the combined
influence of changeable risk and protective factors [11].
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Positive psychology plays a significant role in enhancing the understanding
and treatment of suicidal behavior. By concentrating on human strengths and
virtues, it offers valuable insights into the protective and resilience factors that
can help shield individuals from suicidal thoughts and actions. The principles of
positive psychology are also crucial in shaping therapeutic approaches for those
struggling with suicidality. Positive experiences—such as optimism, good health,
hope, creativity, and expansive thinking are essential in both understanding and
reducing suicidal tendencies. Research in health psychology further
demonstrates that positive emotions contribute to better physical health.
Positive psychology may act as a key mechanism in breaking the link between
poor health and negative emotions, which are often precursors to suicidal
behavior [9].
CONCLUSION
. Thus, early intervention plays a critical role in the successful
management and treatment of psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Addressing problems at their initial stages often prevents them from developing
into more severe disorders and promotes healthier long-term outcomes. In this
context, the implementation of well-designed therapeutic strategies is essential
for effective prevention and correction. Therapeutic approaches such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family
therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated strong
effectiveness in mitigating symptoms and promoting resilience. These methods
focus on helping individuals develop coping mechanisms, reframe negative
thinking patterns, and build emotional regulation skills. Early identification of
risk factors — including trauma, social isolation, or early signs of anxiety and
depression — allows for timely therapeutic action. School-based programs,
regular mental health screenings, and training teachers and caregivers to
recognize warning signs are crucial measures. Interventions delivered during
the formative years can significantly impact emotional regulation, academic
performance, and social integration, fostering positive development.
Thus, therapeutic strategies are most effective when applied early,
targeting not only symptom reduction but also the underlying factors
contributing to behavioral and emotional difficulties. A proactive and
preventative focus is essential for nurturing well-being and supporting lifelong
mental health.
References:
1.
Baumeister, R. F. (1990). Suicide as escape from self. Psychological
Review, 97(1), 90–113.
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2.
Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Clinical, Experimental, and Theoretical
Aspects. New York: Harper & Row.
3.
Beck, A. T., Kovacs, M., & Weissman, A. (1974). Hopelessness and suicidal
behavior. Journal of the American Medical Association, 234(11), 1146–1149.
4.
Cavanagh, J. T., Carson, A. J., Sharpe, M., & Lawrie, S. M. (2003).
Psychological autopsy studies of suicide: A systematic review. Psychological
Medicine, 33(3), 395–405.
5.
Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide: A Study in Sociology. Glencoe, IL: Free Press.
6.
Joiner, T. (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Harvard University Press
7.
Moffitt, T. E., et al. (2007). Depression and generalized anxiety disorder:
Cumulative and sequential comorbidity. Development and Psychopathology,
19(4), 1181–1190.
8.
O'Connor R. C., Nock M. K. The psychology of suicidal behaviour //The
Lancet Psychiatry. – 2014. – Т. 1. – №. 1. – С. 73-85.
9.
Wingate L. R. et al. Suicide and positive cognitions: Positive psychology
applied to the understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior. – 2006.
10.
Joiner Jr T. E., Brown J. S., Wingate L. R. R. The psychology and
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11.
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