Självmord : en kunskapsöversikt

The aim of this essay is to try to gain understanding and to get a more profound knowledge of suicide. The questions at issue were 1) What empirical factors are mentioned in the research as possible to explain suicide. 2) Which theoretical perspectives are discussed in research concerning suicide. To answer our questions at issue we carried out a selective research overview with a qualitative perspective. The primary documents that has been the foundation of this essay is constituted by nine of the leading researchers publications in the area of suicidology. The questions of issue were analyzed and answered on the basis of social constructionist theory. The research findings showed that suicide is a complex area with no single answers. There are several empirical variables that the researches describe as factors that might influence suicidal behavior and the research has shown patterns in certain risk groups. These variables interact in dynamic processes and shall not be regarded on a one to one basis. The theoretical perspectives that are discussed in research are divided up in three main areas; Sociological, Psychological and Neurobiological & Genetic theories. Although all theories have their own approach and explanation to the phenomena of suicide the research findings are moving towards a more multidisciplinary approach. The social constructionist perspective of this essay gives the reader a new dimension to the phenomena. Empirical and theoretical findings can be seen as constructions aroused from the interaction among people in our society which we all are a part of maintaining