Suicide in early China and the current West

Date

2018

Authors

Pridmore, Saxby
Pridmore, William

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Sage Publications Inc

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour. Methods: We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details. Results: In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others. Conclusions: The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected.

Description

Keywords

suicide, mental disorder, predicament suicide, history

Citation

Source

Australasian Psychiatry

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31