Citation

de Kernier N. J. Child Psychother. 2013; 39(2): 206-227.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/0075417X.2013.806056

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Psychic processes underlying suicidal behaviours during adolescence and their evolution are explored. A longitudinal study was conducted of thirty adolescent patients hospitalised following a suicide attempt. Clinical interviews were used combined with the Rorschach Test and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) a few days after the suicide attempt and one year later.

RESULTS initially showed common forms of psychic adjustment: melancholic identifications were linked to an excessive dependence on objects. One year later, these forms of psychic adjustment changed: for many adolescents, the melancholic identifications shifted and self-image improved. The emergence of representations of murder fantasies immediately after the suicidal behaviour allowed a possible transformation of violence into symbolisation. A case study illustrates these psychic changes. © 2013 Copyright Association of Child Psychotherapists.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; homicide; female; prognosis; case report; adolescence; psychotherapy; suicidal ideation; anxiety; scoring system; suicide attempt; interview; suicidal behavior; treatment outcome; longitudinal study; longitudinal studies; article; fantasy; psychoanalysis; smoking; Rorschach; psychotrauma; melancholia; personality test; recurrence risk; defense mechanism; psychological well being; projective techniques; Pubertal process; Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)