Question 1

Emile Durkheim's theory of suicide fits into the:

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim's theory of suicide emphasizes the impact of sociocultural factors (such as social integration, regulation, and anomie) on individual suicidal behavior, thus fitting into the sociocultural model.

Question 2

The strongest direct support for a biological explanation for suicide comes from:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The strongest direct support for a biological...

Question 3

Research supporting a Freudian view of suicide has shown that later suicidal behavior is related to:

Accepted Answer

Research supporting a Freudian view of suicide has shown that later suicidal behavior is related to both real and symbolic losses in childhood. Freudian theory asserts that suicidal behavior can be a result of unresolved childhood conflicts and repressed emotions related to loss and abandonment, whether real or symbolic.

Question 4

"You must redirect your Thanatos" is a remark MOST likely made by a therapist with what theoretical point of view?

Accepted Answer

The term "Thanatos" comes from the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, which refers to the unconscious drive towards self-destructive tendencies and death. Therapists with a psychodynamic theoretical point of view would be more likely to use this term and suggest redirecting it towards more positive goals.

Question 5

Juan is an atheist, does what he wants, and is alienated from others. He feels life isn't worth living and kills himself. According to Emile Durkheim, he would be classified as an:

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim's theory of suicide, there are four types of suicide: egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and imitative. Egoistic suicide occurs when an individual is detached from society and lacks social integration or a sense of belonging. Juan is described as being alienated from others and living life on his own terms, which indicates a lack of social integration. Therefore, Juan's suicide would be classified as egoistic.

Question 6

A society that loses its basic family and religious core values, experiences large-scale immigration of people with very different values, and fails to provide meaning for the life of its people is in danger of an increase in what Durkheim calls:

Accepted Answer

Durkheim defines anomic suicide as the result of a breakdown or absence of social norms and values that give individuals a sense of purpose, direction, and belonging in society. In the scenario described, the loss of family and religious values, cultural diversity through immigration, and a lack of personal meaning all contribute to the breakdown of the social fabric that could lead to an increase in anomic suicide.

Question 7

A society that honors those who kill themselves to defend their families or country, or because of a value they hold dear, would have a higher rate of what Durkheim calls:

Accepted Answer

Durkheim classified suicide into three types: egoistic, altruistic, and anomic. In altruistic suicide, individuals take their own lives because they feel a strong sense of duty or loyalty to a group or cause. Therefore, a society that honors those who kill themselves to defend their families or country or because of a value they hold dear would have a higher rate of altruistic suicide.

Question 8

Which statement BEST reflects the relationship between serotonin and suicide?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that low levels of serotonin are related to high levels of aggression and impulsivity, which are factors that increase the risk of suicide.

Question 9

Who is the one MOST likely to commit suicide?

Accepted Answer

Low serotonin activity is associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior, and adults are generally at a higher risk for suicide than children.

Question 10

The fact that very angry people are not significantly more suicidal than other people argues MOST strongly against which explanation for suicide?

Accepted Answer

The psychodynamic explanation often links suicide to intense emotions and internal conflicts, such as anger turned inward. If very angry people are not more suicidal, it challenges this explanation.

Question 11

Biological researchers have found a link between suicide and:

Accepted Answer

Low activity levels of serotonin have been consistently linked to suicidal behavior, as serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. Studies have found that individuals who attempt or complete suicide often have decreased levels of serotonin or impaired serotonin signaling in the brain.

Question 12

A young man whose father and uncle committed suicide at about his age also commits suicide. Which explanation of suicide MOST easily explains the young man's suicide?

Accepted Answer

The biological explanation of suicide suggests that there may be genetic or neurochemical factors involved in suicide risk. In this case, the young man may have inherited a predisposition to suicide from his father and uncle, making him more vulnerable to suicidal behavior.

Question 13

If the psychodynamic explanation for suicide is correct, then suicide rates should:

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the psychodynamic explanation for suicide is...

Question 14

In research on the relationship between serotonin and suicide, serotonin seems MOST related to:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that lower levels of serotonin are related to aggression, impulsivity, and self-harm, all of which are risk factors for suicidal behavior.

Question 15

If a biological explanation for suicide is valid, then which activity ought to lower the possibility of a person attempting suicide?

Accepted Answer

Raising the person's serotonin level can help lower the possibility of suicide as research has shown that low serotonin levels are connected to suicidal behavior. This can be done through medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Removing the person from contact with a suicidal parent may also be beneficial, but it may not address the biological factors contributing to suicide. Gene-splicing is not currently a viable option and may raise ethical concerns.

Question 16

According to Emile Durkheim, suicides by people over whom society has little or no control and who are not concerned with the norms and rules of society are called:

Accepted Answer

Durkheim identified egoistic suicides as those committed by individuals who lack social integration and feel disconnected from society. They are not concerned with social norms and values, thus society has little or no control over them. Anomic suicides, on the other hand, are associated with periods of social upheaval and a breakdown of social order, where individuals feel a sense of disorientation and confusion. Imitative suicides occur when one person's suicide inspires others to do the same. Altruistic suicides are committed by individuals who are highly integrated into society and who willingly sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the group.

Question 17

The explanation of suicide as due to loss of loved ones and self-directed aggression is consistent with which theoretical perspective?

Accepted Answer

The explanation given is consistent with psychodynamic perspective, which focuses on unconscious conflicts and unresolved issues from past experiences affecting current behavior.

Question 18

According to Emile Durkheim, suicides by people who give up their lives so another person they love may live would be classified as:

Accepted Answer

According to Emile Durkheim's classification of suicides, altruistic suicides occur when individuals sacrifice their lives for the benefit of others or the society. In this case, people committing suicide to save their loved ones would fall under this category.

Question 19

Altruistic suicide is MOST likely to occur in a country that:

Accepted Answer

Altruistic suicide occurs when an individual sacrifices themselves for the greater good of the community or society. Societies that honor and glorify self-sacrifice for a higher good, such as Japan with their tradition of seppuku or harakiri, may be more prone to altruistic suicide. Other factors such as upheaval or substance abuse may contribute to suicide rates in general, but they are not specific to altruistic suicide. Ethnic minorities who are very religious may have higher rates of suicide due to factors such as discrimination or acculturation stress, but this does not necessarily correlate with altruistic suicide.

Question 20

Carlos died by intentionally stepping in front of a bullet that was intended for another young man, for whom Carlos, as head of a platoon of soldiers in the Persian Gulf War, was responsible. Emile Durkheim would call this an example of:

Accepted Answer

Carlos' act of sacrificing himself for another person, whom he was responsible for, would fall under the category of altruistic suicide according to Emile Durkheim's theory. Altruistic suicide occurs when individuals take their own lives to benefit others or to fulfill their obligations towards society or a group they belong to. In this case, Carlos saw it as his responsibility to protect the young man under his leadership, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.

Quiz 9: Suicide