Suicide

Suicide is most succinctly defined as intentional, self-inflicted death. In addition to fatal behavioral outcomes, of course, a full consideration of suicide also includes those nonfatal, intentional selfharm situations traditionally referred to as suicide attempts, as well as a number of suicidal behaviors and related concepts. The word suicide derives from the Latin suicidium, a combination of the pronoun for “self” and the verb “to kill.” It is suggested that this term was first used in 1651 (although an argument for 1642 has been advanced as well), with a number of phrases utilized throughout history to denote self-initiated deaths. Much discussion of the terms used with respect to suicide and its various dimensions exist. A number of efforts in recent years have taken place to derive a common nomenclature for suicide-related behaviors. It is believed that agreement on the terms used should aid communication about and understanding of the many related concepts. With the coining of the term suicidology in the 1960s by Edwin Shneidman for the scientific study of suicide and suicidal behavior, suicide experienced more widespread international attention in research and therapeutic intervention.

While the term suicide is of relatively recent origin, existing evidence suggests that suicide has occurred throughout history and across the world. It is clear that suicide has not been a behavior of one time period nor has it been a major characteristic of any one era or location. At least in Western Europe and North America, this long history of suicide and suicidal behavior has often been studied to provide perspective and insights into past and present attitudes, opinions, laws, and behaviors related to suicide. Historical events are noted, often beginning with ancient Greek and Roman philosophers who made arguments either defending (e.g., Seneca, Cicero) or condemning (e.g., Pythagoras, Aristotle, Plato) suicide. Traditional as well as more contemporary viewpoints of major religious beliefs can also be noted, with most groups (e.g., Christianity, Judaism, Islam) strongly opposing suicide, although others are more ambivalent or mixed in their teachings (e.g., Buddhism, Hinduism). In Western Europe and the United States in particular, the main rulings, synods, and councils of the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries established clear and increasing condemnation and sanctions against suicide, most often as a sin. These sanctions included altered or refused burial rights and excommunication. Such religious [Page 907]backgrounds and the influence of religion on governments produced laws. For example, suicide was a felony in mid-14th century England, resulting in the forfeiture of all land and goods. Suicide remained a crime in British law until 1961.

The superstitions and practices associated with suicide during these periods of time included treatment of the deceased, such as being buried outside sacred ground or even burial at a crossroads at night with a stake driven through the heart. In some cases, bodies were drug through the streets by horses, hung on public display, or thrown in the sewer or a town dump. With the passage of time and different attitudes, particularly the publication of medical considerations of suicide in the mid-1800s, the behaviors shifted away from primarily sin and criminal acts. Instead, suicide became an “insane” behavior. In turn, this interpretation, with its implications of physical and perhaps personality weaknesses or unsound minds, produced feelings of shame and disgrace. Ultimately, with the end of the 19th century and the different thoughts about suicide that emerged in the first half of the 20th century, those who died by suicide or were suicidal were often considered mentally ill. Though much of the shame and stigma remained, religious and social interpretations often held the person less responsible for their actions and many sanctions were relaxed.

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