A preschooler was killed by his young stepfather, who then committed suicide. She is such a loving, gentle, person. There is a critical need for students, parents, educators, and the general public to understand the risk factors associated with violence, homicide, and suicide, as well as on strategies for effective intervention before tragedy occurs. The information presented in this session was based on research into the specific factors related to homicide and suicide. The characteristics of individuals who kill themselves and others, as well as events that trigger homicide and suicide, have been studied by a number of researchers.
Depression is the most crucial risk factor related to both murder and suicide.
Aggressive behavior itself is an age-related symptom of depression in adolescents, but other signs may be difficult to recognize. Sadness, hopelessness, and despair may appear to be boredom, apathy, hyperactivity, or physical problems. Other related psychiatric problems include paranoia, pathological possessiveness, and poor perception of reality. Parental brutality, substance abuse, and marital conflict may result in the indivudal's creating a morbid identity that could make murder possible. Suicide and homicide can be precipitated by humiliation or the loss of a love relationship, a family member, a job, or status.