Exploring the psychology of suicidal ideation

A paradigm shift appraisal

Abstract

The paper aimed at exploring the psychology of suicidal ideation: a paradigm shift appraisal. Various Psychological theories of suicidal ideation were explored regarding suicidal ideation. The rate at which people commit suicide now especially the youths is alarming and has drawn the attention of the society and the psychologists as regards to the menace. Suicidal ideation is conceptualised as a continuum from suicidal thoughts to attempts at or committing suicide. These thoughts may occur in people who feel completely hopeless or believe they can no longer cope with life circumstances. Suicidal ideation may vary from fleeting thoughts to preoccupation with detailed planning to actual execution of suicide. Different Psychological theories have explained the reasons for suicidal ideation. Some of these theories include: Interpersonal theory of Suicidal Behaviour, the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model (IMV) and the Psychoanalytic approach. This explores the impact and relevance of the studied theories and suggests ways of tackling the menace in our society. The study concluded and recommended that humans are different in their biological make up. Thus, the way and manner humans behave and think, and prioritize likes and dislikes differs; thinking towards suicide could depend on an individual and how he/ she views the society.