Outward and Inward Directed Aggressiveness: The Interaction Between Violence and Suicidaliy

Abstract

This paper examines the relations and interactions between suicidality and violence. It reviews the recent literature indicating that more than 40 variables have been identified as risk factors for suicide. Evidence is presented to indicate that the differences between suicide attempters and suicide completers are a matter of degree, and that most conclusions that apply to one also apply to the other. A review of the recent literature on violence revealed that 37 variables are risk factors for violence and that 23 of them are risk factors for suicide as well. Evidence indicates that at least 17 variables have been identified as protective factors that decrease the risk of both suicide and violence. These considerations and others have led to the development of a Two-Stage Model of Countervailing Forces that systematically relates suicide to violence.

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion in Major Depression: A Case-Control Study of Impulsive and Aggressive Behaviors in Men

“…Moreover, high levels of impulsivity and high levels of lifetime aggression were correlated with severity of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, as well as with cluster B personality disorders (r values between 0.17 and 0.58 for all tested correlations). These findings are consistent with previous reports (31,44).…”

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion in Major Depression: A Case-Control Study of Impulsive and Aggressive Behaviors in Men

“…Moreover, high levels of impulsivity and high levels of lifetime aggression were correlated with severity of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, as well as with cluster B personality disorders (r values between 0.17 and 0.58 for all tested correlations). These findings are consistent with previous reports (31,44).…”

The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)

“…Professionals in community clinics and inpatient forensic psychiatric settings are mandated to provide care that encompasses much more than dangerous, aggressive, and violent behavior. In line with our review in the introduction to this article, scholars (Apter et al, 1991;Hillbrand, 1992Hillbrand, , 1995Hillbrand, , 2001Links et al, 2003;Plutchik, 1995) have asserted for more than a decade that there is a need for further investigation into the relationship between violence directed outwardly and self-destructive forms of violence and the development and testing of appropriate assessment and management tools. Hillbrand (2001) recommends that assessments of risk for violence to self and others ought to go hand-in-hand.…”

Mortality among Recent Purchasers of Handguns

“…Few states deny firearms to persons with previous convictions for violent misdemeanors. Since a history of violence or aggression is a risk factor for both suicide 7,9,18,19,45 and homicide, 9,11,46 the risk of violent death associated with recent purchase of a handgun may be higher in most states than we observed in California.…”

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion in Major Depression: A Case-Control Study of Impulsive and Aggressive Behaviors in Men

“…Moreover, high levels of impulsivity and high levels of lifetime aggression were correlated with severity of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, as well as with cluster B personality disorders (r values between 0.17 and 0.58 for all tested correlations). These findings are consistent with previous reports (31,44).…”

The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)

“…Professionals in community clinics and inpatient forensic psychiatric settings are mandated to provide care that encompasses much more than dangerous, aggressive, and violent behavior. In line with our review in the introduction to this article, scholars (Apter et al, 1991;Hillbrand, 1992Hillbrand, , 1995Hillbrand, , 2001Links et al, 2003;Plutchik, 1995) have asserted for more than a decade that there is a need for further investigation into the relationship between violence directed outwardly and self-destructive forms of violence and the development and testing of appropriate assessment and management tools. Hillbrand (2001) recommends that assessments of risk for violence to self and others ought to go hand-in-hand.…”

Mortality among Recent Purchasers of Handguns

“…Few states deny firearms to persons with previous convictions for violent misdemeanors. Since a history of violence or aggression is a risk factor for both suicide 7,9,18,19,45 and homicide, 9,11,46 the risk of violent death associated with recent purchase of a handgun may be higher in most states than we observed in California.…”

Risk Factors for Suicide Completion in Major Depression: A Case-Control Study of Impulsive and Aggressive Behaviors in Men

“…Moreover, high levels of impulsivity and high levels of lifetime aggression were correlated with severity of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, as well as with cluster B personality disorders (r values between 0.17 and 0.58 for all tested correlations). These findings are consistent with previous reports (31,44).…”

The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)

“…Professionals in community clinics and inpatient forensic psychiatric settings are mandated to provide care that encompasses much more than dangerous, aggressive, and violent behavior. In line with our review in the introduction to this article, scholars (Apter et al, 1991;Hillbrand, 1992Hillbrand, , 1995Hillbrand, , 2001Links et al, 2003;Plutchik, 1995) have asserted for more than a decade that there is a need for further investigation into the relationship between violence directed outwardly and self-destructive forms of violence and the development and testing of appropriate assessment and management tools. Hillbrand (2001) recommends that assessments of risk for violence to self and others ought to go hand-in-hand.…”

Mortality among Recent Purchasers of Handguns

“…Few states deny firearms to persons with previous convictions for violent misdemeanors. Since a history of violence or aggression is a risk factor for both suicide 7,9,18,19,45 and homicide, 9,11,46 the risk of violent death associated with recent purchase of a handgun may be higher in most states than we observed in California.…”