Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What psychological perspective relates to suicidal behavior as an excessive reaction?

1. Intense happiness and satisfaction

2. Intense preoccupation with humiliation and disappointment

3. Chronic feelings of anger and frustration

4. Severe anxiety about future events

The correct answer is: Intense preoccupation with humiliation and disappointment

The perspective that relates to suicidal behavior as an excessive reaction is grounded in the understanding of intense preoccupation with humiliation and disappointment. This perspective highlights that extreme feelings, such as those stemming from real or perceived failures, social rejection, or significant loss, can overwhelm an individual, leading them to view suicide as a possible escape from their emotional pain. When a person experiences humiliation and disappointment intensely, it often creates a psychological state where they feel hopeless and unable to see any potential for relief or improvement in their situation. This intense fixation on negative emotions can distort their thinking and make them believe that suicide is the only viable option. Furthermore, the stigma associated with feelings of humiliation can prevent individuals from seeking help, exacerbating their emotional distress and contributing to suicidal ideation. In contrast, choices related to happiness, chronic anger and frustration, or severe anxiety about the future do not encapsulate the specific connection to suicidal behavior in the same way. While these emotions can play a role in overall mental health and can potentially lead to suicidal thoughts, they do not directly address the intense emotional reaction associated with humiliation and disappointment that can culminate in suicidal ideation and behavior.