Myth: Suicide Is a Form of Self-Mastery
Our fear of death is well known. Ernest Becker first wrote about our aversion to the topic of death in The Denial of Death in 1973. Part of our fear of death is our inability to control it. Suicide is incorrectly considered to be a form of mastery of death by those who feel they have no control in life.
Fact: Self-Mastery Is About Control and There Is No Control After Death
The problem is that mastery of death is, by definition, cessation of the life from which mastery springs. While it’s probable that some cases of people have died with the intent to master death, this is itself an illusion.
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A related topic is the ability for people with terminal illnesses to control the timing of their death. This goes by several names, including “death with dignity” after the Oregon law, or “medical aid in dying” (MAID) after the Canadian law. In these cases, those who take advantage of these laws are timing their death, but rarely is the discussion framed in terms of mastery. Instead, patients approach these decisions with minimization of pain and burdensomeness.
Evidence
This myth is a logical fallacy and doesn’t have any research to support it. The book Myths about Suicide tackles the logical argument against the myth.
In Support of the Myth
None identified.
To Refute the Myth
A book by Thomas Joiner that explores many myths.
Unclear or Mixed Support
None identified.
Learn more about suicide myths – and the truths behind them – by following the links below.