Suicide is one of the most complex and delicate topics in the field of psychology and mental health. However, in recent years a concept has emerged that has generated controversy and debate within the academic and professional community: expanded suicide. This term refers to a phenomenon in which not only the person who decides to take their own life is involved, but also extends to their close environment, including friends, family and other people who can influence or be affected by the decision of the person. suicidal person.
What is expanded suicide?
Expanded suicide is a relatively new concept that has emerged as a result of the advances in the study of social interactions and the influence of contextual factors on suicidal behavior. Unlike traditional suicide, in which only the psychology and clinical history of the individual who decides to take his or her life is usually analyzed, expanded suicide broadens the view to include all the people who are part of the person's social and emotional environment. suicidal.
In this sense, expanded suicide considers that social interactions, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships and other contextual factors can play a crucial role in a person's decision to commit suicide. Therefore, it is essential to understand and address not only the individual factors that may lead a person to contemplate suicide, but also the external influences that may be present in their immediate environment.
Factors involved in expanded suicide
To better understand the concept of expanded suicide, it is important to analyze the different factors that can influence a person's decision to take their own life and how these can extend to their social environment. Some of the factors that are often present in extended suicide include:
- Family dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships, lack of emotional support, abuse or neglect can contribute to the appearance of suicidal thoughts both in the individual and in other family members.
- Interpersonal relationships: Conflicts, romantic breakups, harassment or instabilities in relationships can generate a negative emotional impact that increases the risk of suicide in the people involved.
- Social and cultural factors: Social pressure, discrimination, exclusion or lack of access to resources can influence an individual's perception of worth and self-esteem, contributing to their vulnerability to suicide.
- Behavior models: Exposure to suicidal behaviors in the immediate environment , whether in real life or through the media, can normalize the idea of suicide and increase the likelihood of imitating such behaviors.
How does expanded suicide occur?
The process through which extended suicide occurs is complex and multifaceted, since it involves the interaction of various individual and contextual factors that can influence the decision-making of the suicidal person and the people who support them. surround. Below are some key stages in the development of expanded suicide:
1. Personal crisis
Most people who consider suicide are going through a personal crisis that may be due to emotional problems, past trauma, financial difficulties, mental health problems, or other stressors. This crisis can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and suicide in the individual.
2. Social interaction
Once the person enters a phase of emotional vulnerability, social interaction plays a crucial role in their decision process. The words, attitudes and actions of close people can significantly influence the way a person perceives their circumstances and options.
3. Emotional contagion
Emotional contagion is a psychological phenomenon in which a person's emotions and behaviors are transmitted to others through social interaction. In the case of extended suicide, emotional contagion can manifest itself in the form of imitation of the suicidal behavior of someone close who has decided to take their own life.
4. Stigmatization and guilt
After a suicide, close people often experience feelings of stigmatization, guilt and shame, which can make it difficult to communicate openly about the issue and seek help. This additional emotional burden can contribute to greater isolation and suffering in the suicidal person's social environment.
Why does expanded suicide create controversy?
The concept of expanded suicide has generated controversy in the academic and professional community of psychology and mental health for various reasons. Some of the aspects that have sparked debate and reflection regarding expanded suicide are the following:
1. Responsibility and guilt
One of the most controversial points of extended suicide is the question of responsibility and guilt. By broadening the view to include the entire social environment of the suicidal person, the question arises as to what extent close people can be considered responsible for the person's decision to take their own life. This debate raises ethical and moral dilemmas about what degree of influence others have in a decision as intimate and personal as suicide.
2. Stigmatization and emotional support
Another aspect that has generated controversy around expanded suicide is the balance between stigmatization and emotional support in the social environment of the suicidal person. While it is important to recognize the influence that close people can have on suicidal behavior, it is also essential to avoid blaming and pointing fingers, instead promoting understanding, empathy and emotional support to prevent future cases of suicide in the environment. .
3. Intervention and Prevention
Implementing expanded suicide prevention and intervention strategies poses additional challenges compared to traditional suicide prevention practices. It is necessary to design programs and policies that address not only individual risk factors, but also the contextual and social factors that influence the suicidal behavior of people involved in an extended suicide case.
Conclusions
In conclusion, expanded suicide is an emerging concept that expands the traditional perspective on suicide to include all people who are part of the suicidal person's social and emotional environment. This holistic approach recognizes the complexity of social interactions and the influence of contextual factors on suicidal behavior, generating debate and reflection in the academic and professional community around responsibility, stigmatization and expanded suicide prevention.
It is essential to approach expanded suicide with sensitivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the social and emotional interactions that can influence a person's decision to take their own life. Only through an integrative and collaborative approach can we advance effective prevention and intervention in cases of expanded suicide, promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of all people involved.