Abstract
A model is presented with ‘predicament’ being the central feature; the predicament may be a mental disorder or environmental factors (or both). The degree to which the predicament (or stressors which compose the predicament) draws the individual toward completed suicide is influenced by nature and nurture. The accuracy of ‘psychological autopsies’ is challenged. Social factors and a ‘sociological autopsy’ are discussed. Cases are mentioned, including “the jumpers of 9/11”.