Typologies of Suicide: A Critical Literature Review

Abstract

This review highlights proposed suicide typologies and identifies areas of future research. The current study is an illustrative, rather than exhaustive, qualitative review of theoretical and empirically derived typologies of suicide decedents. Theoretical and empirical typologies of suicide delineate between groups of suicide decedents based on individual, motivational, psychiatric, interpersonal, socio-demographic, and other variables. Certain core themes emerge across theoretical typologies including escape, aggression, intrapsychic pain, and relational concerns. Empirical typologies have identified unique patterns of life stressors, mental health history, health care utilization, and suicide method among suicide decedents. Future research should build on existing typological models of suicide to delineate when, and for whom, particular typologies of suicide may inform targeted prevention efforts. Researchers and clinicians should consider the characteristics and needs of particular high-risk groups when translating typological research into meaningful suicide prevention and intervention.

Keywords:

• review
• suicide
• suicide decedents
• typology

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) New Faculty Startup Research Package under Grant number R072ID. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or the Department of Defense. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Notes on contributors

Jeffery Martin

Jeffery Martin, Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Jessica M. LaCroix

Jessica M. LaCroix, Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Laura A. Novak

Laura A. Novak, Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway

Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway, Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.