I recently looked at the literature on suicidality in preadolescence and early childhood. There is ample evidence that suicides and suicidal behavior occur in these populations though the suicide rate is low compared to adolescents. Joiner's IPPT has been applied to adolescent samples but not it seems to young children. Neither the theories of O'Connor ("Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model") or Klonsky and May ("Three Step") seem to have made any reference of applicability to non-adults. All three are psychological models that seem premised on the psychology and cognitive processes of mid-to-older adolescents and older individuals. Impulsiveness may play a somewhat larger role in very young children who may react or respond more quickly to triggers such as family conflict, arrive at suicide plans differently, and perhaps not ruminate on their plans in the same way as older individuals. On the other hand, very young children have been found to develop clear intent and seem exposed to experiences (e.g., abuse, violence) that may yield acquired capability for lethal self-harm. Thoughts?
The work of Dr. Susan Harter on the developing self my be helpful here. Any developmentally appropriate intervention and prevention work as provided by the APA in their educational and practice divisions is another source to explore as well as work by various military organizations trying to deal with suicide and suicidal ideation is also a good source.
Barbara: I will definitely look into Dr. Harter's work. The relevance of child development theory crossed my mind but as someone who works solely with adults and elders I had no clue as to where to look.
Best/Tony
Dr. Harter's most recent work now that she is in the older semi-retired category has been to study adults and elders and how well they do with the self-challenges of aging. If you do a simple academic search, you should find these latest articles, books, and chapters. She is a close friend, so let me know if you have trouble locating what interests you.
Bob: There are two articles on the IPPT and teens and Joiner did an article on his theory and high school students. I think the IPPT can explain suicidal behavior in preadolescents but my point is none of the current models include a disclaimer like "adults only." At the same time, as Barbara has noted, theorizing about suicide in young childhood seems to have only drawn the attention of childhood development folks from Erikson on. Best!
Hi Tony, I think your concern is a relevant one especially from practitioner's view point and survivors' counselling. Suicide at younger age group is rising everywhere I think, form the last WHO report. I don't think academic journals will put any disclaimer. Think it's implicit in their description of samples they used to test the theory. Maybe textbook writer can be more explicit. I do agree factors may be quite similar, but the weightage and tendency (and thinking process) may greatly differ for 10-20 y.o. group, young adults, adults, late adults, old age. I am not sure what's the youngest age of suicide now. The last I read is 10 y.o. There are great emotional, social, and intellectual (and also for some spiritual) growth during this age group. And for some going through puberty is a stressful process too.
And what role does technology, illusionary (non-reality, fairy tale like) video games, and other things parents use to 'parent' their young children play in what are often 'accidental' suicides by young children who copy what they see? Very sad and something we all need to help increase public awareness about as well as get involved with the producers of these seemingly 'good' parent aides?!
I am wordsmith, not a psychologist. The definition of the word “anger” was changed in 1938. Prior to that anger was identical to angst, or intense sorrow. Anger is appropriately included in the grieving process, but it is the earlier definition to which we should pay attention. Anger is now defined as a hostile passion. It is a hostile passion directed inward. Resentment is a hostile passion directed outward.
In the Bible, ancient Hebrews would rent their clothes and cover themselves with ashes, destroying their outward image. In Mitchner’s Hawaii, loss of a close family member resulted in the survivor beating their face against lava rock, knocking out their teeth. Anger is self-destructive. Suicide is the extreme behavior associated with anger. Homicide is the extreme behavior associated with resentment.
Grief is a natural response to loss, any loss. The intensity of the grief is directly proportional to the value the individual places on the person or thing lost. Two children each lose a doll. For the first it is no big deal. For the second, it is earth shattering. Values may be imposed by society, or may be determined by the individual.
Another view on suicide.
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