A qualitative research on suicide notes: Mental representations in suicide notes of men

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Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Psikoloji Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2018

Öğrenci: FAZİLET CANBOLAT

Danışman: FARUK GENÇÖZ

Özet:

This thesis was dedicated to investigate a part of the suicide phenomenon by using suicide notes. The main aim of the study was to examine the note leavers’ experiences in relation to others. The most suitable method was thought to be qualitative research; therefore, 12 documents were obtained from Ankara Public Prosecutor office by purposive sampling, and the data set was analyzed by utilizing inductive and interpretative thematic analysis. According to the findings of primary (semantic) level analysis, the categories were labeled as ‘emotions’, ‘perceptions’, ‘functions’ and ‘phantasies’. There were several themes and sub-themes under those categories. Based on the findings from the primary level analysis, an interpretative level of analysis from a Lacanian point of view was conducted. In this secondary (latent) level analysis, the mental relational interplay of the emotions of the subject related to the Other in the suicide notes has been the focal point. The findings yielded latent themes such as ‘ambivalence of emotions (aggressivity)’, ‘issues related to v separation’ and ‘issues related to the Law’. The ‘issues related to separation’ theme was thought to be composed of sub-themes such as ‘the investment for the eye of the Other as an urge to escape from persecution anxiety’ and ‘the illusion of omnipotence’. On the basis of those findings, a diagnostic discussion, which highlighted narcissism in addition to a psychotic structure, specifically paranoia, was provided. In terms of implications, the findings of this study may be utilized while evaluating the transference of the suicidal patients in the psychotherapy settings.