Distinguishing families where suicidal behaviour is present from families where suicidal behaviour is absent

Twenty families are observed during the first interview for family therapy. In families where suicidal behaviour occurs there are three variables which distinguish them from families where no such behaviour occurs. These variables are;

• the threat of immediate break up of the family relationship i.e. someone is about to leave,

• a situation of mutual negative connotation where no matter what anyone tries to do it is seen as being 'wrong',

• a tradition of symptoms being used at times of crisis to keep the family together.

Suicidal behaviour is seen as a strategic move to keep the family together in the face of developmental change.