The Evolution of Suicide

＂[A] fascinating read... Contrary to what the title might suggest, this is an upbeat exploration of suicide with a positive message.＂ --Jeanine Connor, Therapy Today, December, 2018

This thought-provoking volume offers a distinctly human evolutionary analysis of a distinctly human phenomenon: suicide. Its ’pain and brain’ model posits animal adaptations as the motivator for suicidal escape, and specific human cognitive adaptations as supplying the means, while also providing a plausible explanation for why only a relatively small number of humans actually take their own lives. The author hypothesizes two types of anti-suicide responses, active and reactive mechanisms prompted by the brain as suicide deterrents. Proposed as well is the intriguing prospect that mental disorders such as depression and addiction, long associated with suicidality, may serve as survival measures.

Among the topics covered:

- Suicide as an evolutionary puzzle.

- The protection against suicide afforded to animals and young children.

- Suicide as a by-product of pain and human cognition.

- Why psychodynamic defenses regulate the experiencing of painful events.

- Links between suicidality and positive psychology.

- The anti-suicide role of spiritual and religious belief.

In raising and considering key questions regarding this most controversial act, The Evolution of Suicide will appeal to researchers across a range of behavioral science disciplines. At the same time, the book’s implications for clinical intervention and prevention will make it useful among mental health professionals and those involved with mental health policy.

C A Soper is a psychotherapist with particular experience in helping people with addiction problems and those dealing with the aftermath of suicide and other bereavements. Born in London, he has degrees from University of Cambridge and University of London, and is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This book is based on doctoral research undertaken with University of Gloucestershire in England, which resulted in the award of a PhD. Soper lives and practices in Lisbon, Portugal.