Memes and suicide

Psychol Rep. 2009 Aug;105(1):3-10. doi: 10.2466/PR0.105.1.3-10.

Abstract

The concept of memes is analyzed, and its applicability to suicidology explored. Proposals are made for possible memes implicated in suicidal behavior. A classification of suicidal memes is proposed and the relationship between memes and archetypes of suicide is discussed. It is suggested that the terminology of meme theory can sharpen research into imitation effects in suicide.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Cultural Evolution
  • Culture*
  • Female
  • Genetics, Behavioral / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior
  • Jungian Theory
  • Male
  • Models, Genetic
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data