ABSTRACT

This book provides a socio-psychological enquiry of the phenomenon of suicide in the Indian context. It addresses the rising trend of suicides across the world and through case studies explores its primary reasons, the after-effects on survivors and families and measures to prevent them.

The volume focuses on deciphering the social and psychological meanings associated with suicide. Through an examination of psycho-social autopsies of numerous cases, it highlights the patterns and trends which emerge around mental well-being, suicide and bereavement. It examines the primary roadblocks for robust suicide prevention measures and provides great insights into behavioral and personality categories and their relationship with suicide.

Offering theoretical and empirical perspectives on the issue of suicide and self-harm, this book will be of interest to students, researchers, and faculty of behavioral sciences, psychology, social anthropology, demography, criminology, social work and sociology. It will also be an essential read for psychologists and counselors, policy makers, NGOs, CSOs, legal experts and media personnel working in the area of suicide prevention and research.

chapter 1|36 pages

Suicide

Actors and factors

chapter 2|25 pages

Psychological and sociological autopsy

Making the paradigm explicit

chapter 3|68 pages

Demystifying suicide

Insights from primary research

chapter 4|17 pages

Pathways to suicide

Inferences and theoretical interpretations

chapter 5|27 pages

The way forward

Implications for prevention policy and interventions