Exploring suicide potential and the actualising tendency: A qualitative study of suicide notes

Abstract

Aim or purpose: The aim of the research was to establish if, within person-centred theory (PCT), suicide could potentially be considered an expression of the actualising tendency (AT). Within the theoretical boundaries of the person-centred approach (PCA) the research raised questions which included the clarity of Rogers’ (1959) meaning in relation to ‘perverse and unusual conditions’ for those that may ‘…actualise their potentiality for pain or self-destruction’. Design or methodology: This research was conducted from a qualitative perspective using forms of analysis requiring interpretation by the researcher. A sample of 31 suicide notes were analysed: firstly using stanza analysis; and secondly narrative analysis. Ethical approval: This was granted by University of Chester.