Destructive Groups: The Role of Projective Identification in Suicidal Groups of Young People

Group suicidal behaviour by young people has been attracting increasing
worldwide attention, but the subject has rarely been studied from a clinical or
psychodynamic perspective. Although etiological factors are not well
understood, unconscious as well as conscious group processes likely contribute
to self-destructive actions. In this article we discuss the
role of projective identification in the development of suicidal behavior by
individuals who are part of a destructive group. We consider how these factors
may operate, illustrated through a case description of a young man involved
with a group of high school students that included at least four who made
serious suicide attempts. Recognition and understanding of these forms of
communication have important implications for clinical practice and suicide
prevention.