Suicide attempts: a contingency analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand, from the perspective of behavioral analysis, the possible antecedents and consequences of a suicide attempt for the individual responsible, using reports from patients that were hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital located in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, due to their suicide attempts. Three patients that attempted suicide in 2010 took part in this study. Semi-structured interviews were performed, which included questions about the attempt, its antecedents and consequences, and the life history of the patient. Functional analysis showed the presence of risk factors for suicide, as well as reinforcing consequences for the individuals, such as social care only being available after the attempts.