Page 487 - Understanding Psychology

some of them translate these thoughts into action.
People may take their lives for any number of reasons. It may be to escape from physical or emotional pain—per- haps a terminal illness or the loneliness of old age. It might be an effort to end the torment of unacceptable feelings, to punish themselves for wrongs they think they have committed, or to punish oth- ers who have not perceived their needs (Mintz, 1968). In many cases we simply do not know why the suicide occurred.
Statistics show, however, that
every year more than 30,000
Americans end their lives—about 1
every 20 minutes. More women than
men attempt suicide, but more men than women succeed (see Figure 16.14). Suicide is most common among the elderly but also ranks as the second most common cause of death among college students. Contrary to popular belief, people who threaten suicide or make an unsuccessful attempt usually are serious. Studies show that about 70 percent of people who kill themselves had threatened to do so within the three months preceding the suicide, and an unsuccessful attempt is often a trial run (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 1999).
What Should
You Do?
If you suspect someone you know is thinking about sui- cide, what should you do? Treat him (or her) like a normal human being. (Meanwhile, contact a professional psychol- ogist or trusted teacher on how to guide your own behav- ior.) Do not assume that you will upset him—just talk to him. Do not be afraid to ask him about his thoughts (even suicidal ones). Listen to him—he might be relieved to have someone just listen. Urge him to get professional help. Most cities have suicide prevention hot lines.
1. Review the Vocabulary Define schizo- phrenia and list five symptoms of the disorder.
2. Visualize the Main Idea Use a graphic organizer similar to the one below to identify types of schizophrenia.
Types of Schizophrenia
3. Recall Information What is the diathesis-stress hypothesis? How does it explain the development of schizophrenia?
4. Think Critically Recall the last time you failed or did not do well at some- thing. What kind of explanation did you offer for your failure? Was this explanation pessimistic or optimistic? Explain. How did your explanation affect your mood or feelings?
5. Application Activity
Schizophrenia often is misunderstood. Research facts about schizo-
phrenia or the life of someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and share this information with the class. As a class discuss and correct the false impressions about schizophrenia that you hold.
Assessment
Chapter 16 / Psychological Disorders 473