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Self‐Psychology, Shame, and Adolescent Suicide: Theoretical and Practical Considerations
Author(s) -
SHREVE BARRY W.,
KUNKEL MARK A.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of counseling and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.805
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1556-6676
pISSN - 0748-9633
DOI - 10.1002/j.1556-6676.1991.tb01511.x
Subject(s) - shame , psychology , self psychology , perspective (graphical) , context (archaeology) , psychoanalytic theory , adolescent suicide , vignette , psychotherapist , developmental psychology , suicide prevention , poison control , social psychology , medicine , biology , paleontology , artificial intelligence , computer science , environmental health
Using the psychoanalytic self‐psychology of Heinz Kohut as the theoretical foundation of this article, the authors discuss the role of shame in adolescent suicidal behaviors. Shame is described as a central component of suicidal behavior within the context of adolescence, a fundamental stage in the development of the healthy self. Normal and pathological self‐development are described and important issues pertaining to the development of the self during adolescence are explored. A theoretical explanation of adolescent suicidal behavior from a self‐psychology perspective is offered. Finally, suggestions for treatment of the suicidal adolescent and an illustrative clinical vignette are presented.