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.