Premium
Predisposing and Precipitating Factors for Suicide Among Alcoholics: Empirical Review and Conceptual Integration
Author(s) -
Conner Kenneth R.,
Duberstein Paul R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1097/01.alc.0000127410.84505.2a
Subject(s) - aggression , psychology , impulsivity , distress , population , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , suicide prevention , poison control , interpersonal relationship , psychiatry , medicine , medical emergency , social psychology , environmental health
A bstract : Alcohol dependence is a potent risk factor for suicide. Accordingly, alcoholics should be targeted in suicide prevention efforts. This article reviews the literature on suicide among alcoholics and provides a model that may inform research, clinical work, and prevention efforts. In this model, we propose that aggression/impulsivity, severe alcoholism, negative affect, and hopelessness are key predisposing factors for suicide among alcoholics. We propose that major depressive episodes and stressful life events, particularly interpersonal difficulties, are key precipitating factors. We also integrate these constructs in a model that proposes that many acts of suicide among alcoholics may be viewed as acts of reactive aggression executed in the midst of distress over a lost or threatened relationship. Empirical evidence for the model is discussed along with its limitations. The next generation of research on alcoholism and suicide should include a focus on the interpersonal anlage of suicide in this population.