Thwarting disorientation and suicide

Northwestern University and Institute for Cross-Cultrual Studies • Evanston • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Naroll, Raoul

Abstract

This article reviews sociological and psychological explanations of suicide, focusing on a thwarting disorientation theory. This theory posits that a person who commits suicide is likely to have lost social ties and perceived someone to blame for that loss. The author examines seven cultural traits (wife-beating, marriage restrictions, divorce freedom, witchcraft accusation, drunken brawling, defiant homicide, and frequent warfare) that can cause thwarting disorientation.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza