Conceptions of death and suicide in children ages 6-12 and their implications for suicide prevention

Résumé

Interviews were conducted with 65 public school children in Grades 1-5 concerning their understanding of and experiences with death and suicide, and investigating the development of the Piagetian concepts of life and age. By third grade, children generally understand "killing oneself", although their understanding of death and living may be immature. Children leran about suicide from television and discussion with other children, but they rarely discuss suicide with adults. The level of development of the concept of suicide is related to maturity rather specific experiences. Implications for primary prevention are discussed. ENFANT CONCEPT-SUICIDE PRÉVENTION TÉLÉVISION PAIR DÉVELOPPEMENT PRÉVENTION DEUIL-SUICIDE CONCEPT-MORT