Killing the dead: evolution of melancholic identifications underlying suicide attempts in adolescence |
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Authors: | Nathalie de Kernier |
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Institution: | 1. Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense , 200 avenue de la République, F-92000 , Nanterre , France nathalie.dekernier@u-paris10.fr |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Pubertal process fantasy longitudinal studies projective techniques Rorschach Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) |
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