Communitarianism and Suicide Prevention: Proposals for the Year 2000

Abstract

A review of anthropological, sociological, and psychological theories of suicidal behavior indicates that a disruption in social relationships and a breakdown in community networks increase the risk of suicide. Current suicide prevention tactics fail to address these problems, and suggestions are made for tactics that would focus on the underlying causes of suicide, tactics consistent with a communitarian philosophy and tactics that could guide us into the 21st century.