THE PHENOMENON OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR: FROM CLASSICAL CONCEPTS TO MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of suicidal behavior, which appears as one of the most acute challenges for modern Ukraine under the conditions of martial law, social instability, and the psychoemotional tension of society. The relevance of the problem is обусловлена increased levels of stress, traumatization, and the loss of a sense of security, which significantly affects the mental health of the population. The article provides a retrospective review of fundamental psychological and sociological theories that formed the basis of modern suicidology. In particular, the sociological approach of E. Durkheim is considered, emphasizing the role of social integration and regulation in the emergence of suicidal tendencies, as well as the psychoanalytic ideas of S. Freud, who interpreted suicide as a manifestation of intrapersonal conflict and the struggle between the instincts of life and death Special attention is paid to the motivational aspects of suicidal behavior. The concepts of A. Adler, who emphasized the desire to overcome the inferiority complex, C. Jung’s idea of symbolic transformation of the individual, and K. Horney’s concept of basic anxiety and interpersonal conflict are analyzed. The three-component model of K. Menninger, which explains the motivation behind suicide through a combination of desires to die, to kill, and to be killed, is also considered. The article also highlights practical aspects of modern suicidology, in particular the “keys to suicide” proposed by E. Shneidman, which facilitate early detection of risk and timely psychological intervention. Attention is also paid to the factors of loneliness and social disorientation described by N. Farberow. Particular attention is given to the scientific contributions of Ukrainian researchers (R. Fedorenko, V. Moskalets, K. Aimedov), who consider suicide as a dynamic crisis process that includes motivational, affective, and behavioral components. Thus, the article aims to deepen the understanding of the psychological mechanisms of suicidal behavior and to determine effective strategies for its prevention and psychosocial support.