Where Is Family Science in Suicide Prevention and Intervention? Theoretical Applications for a Systemic Perspective

Researchers have primarily examined suicide as an individual phenomenon, yet family scientists who view suicide as a family experience use multiple perspectives for examining the role of families after suicidal ideation or a nonfatal attempt. This article explores how prominent suicide theories can be used to conceptualize a family's role in suicide experiences. Three theories utilized by family scientists—human ecological theory, family systems theory, and social exchange theory—are applied to provide new conceptualizations of family reactions to suicidal behavior. Finally, potential contributions of family scientists to the field of suicidology are examined.