Manifestations of Indirect Self-destructiveness and Methods of Suicide Attempts

The method of suicide attempt is related to motivational processes and the psycho(patho)logical mechanisms and traits of an individual. Indirect self-destructiveness is related to direct self-destructiveness. It is presumed that it can transform to the latter thus leading to suicide attempts or death by suicide. The study objective was to examine the relationship between individual manifestations of indirect self-destructiveness and the methods of suicide attempt as well as to explore the indirect predictors of particular suicide methods. The study was conducted among 147 persons (114 females, 33 males) who attempted suicide. The research instrument was the Polish version of the “Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale” (CS-DS), including Transgression and Risk, Poor Health Maintenance, Personal and Social Neglects, Lack of Planfulness, and Helplessness and Passiveness in the face of problems. Correlation and regression analyses were applied. A number of statistically significant correlations were found between indirect self-destructiveness, or its manifestations, and the methods of suicide attempt. Moreover, the particular categories of indirect self-destructive behaviour were found to largely determine the choice of the method of suicide attempt. Among these categories, the strongest predictor appeared to be Helplessness and Passiveness in the face of problems. The method of suicide attempt is a variable related to psychosocial determinants of suicidal behaviour. The findings of this study may prove useful in the design and implementation of therapeutic activities focused on persons who attempted suicide. Recognising the particular manifestations of indirect self-destructive behaviours of an attempter can guide implementation of therapeutic measures, for him/her e.g. via strengthening coping skills and eliminating risk factors for self-harm.