The influence of intergenerational family dynamics on suicidal behavior: Conceptualization, assessment, and intervention

Résumé

Suicidal behavior is often conceptualized as an intrapsychically-determined phenomenon. This article illustrates the value of conceptualizing suicidal behavior from a psychodynamic theoretical perspective that includes a comprehensive understanding and formulation of intergenerational family dynamics, in addition to the individual’s intrapsychic determinants, and emphasizes that family therapy, informed by psychoanalytic principles, is an important treatment modality for suicidal patients and their families. A conceptual framework that delineates the psychodynamics of familial transmission of suicidality is presented along with an assessment and intervention protocol. FAMILLE DYNAMIQUE-FAMILIALE THÉRAPIE-FAMILLE APPROCHE-PSYCHODYNAMIQUE ÉVÉNEMENT-VIE ANTÉCÉDENT-FAMILIAL