Self-destructive processes and suicide.

This paper focuses on theoretical, empirical and clinical accounts of self-destructive processes in the general population, with a particular focus on suicidal individuals. The theoretical perspective includes views on self-destruction as (A) a motivated wish or need, (B) an outcome of emotional distress, (C) an outcome of distorted cognitions, and (D) as a general personality feature. The different principles of destructive operations that are inherent in each of the theoretical propositions are delineated. Examination of the empirical data reveals that various self-destructive processes described in theory are involved in suicidal behavior. The case studies demonstrate how the various self-destructive processes lead to suicidal behavior. These studies also show that in each individual case, there is more than one self-destructive process at work. It is suggested that suicidal behavior does not only evolve from external pressure and negative life events; rather, self-destructive tendencies may produce unbearable mental pain that culminates in suicidal behavior.