Can we distinguish the perpetrators of a homicide-suicide from suicide victims? A systematic review
The aim of this systematic review is to address the following question: Can we distinguish the perpetrators of homicide-suicide from suicide victims based on the characteristics of the act and its risk factors? The literature search was conducted up until 29 November 2024, using the following databa...
| Authors: | ; |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
The journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology
Year: 2025, Volume: 36, Issue: 3, Pages: 430-457 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | The aim of this systematic review is to address the following question: Can we distinguish the perpetrators of homicide-suicide from suicide victims based on the characteristics of the act and its risk factors? The literature search was conducted up until 29 November 2024, using the following databases: PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and resulted in the identification of 24 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. The risk factors that we have identified as more strongly associated with homicide-suicide are male gender, belonging to a minority ethnic group, criminal record, being separated or in the process of separation, a history of violence and partner-related conflicts, involvement in a civil dispute, as well as personality traits or disorders. In contrast, the occurrence of isolated suicide appears to be more associated with being single, living alone, expressing intentions, consulting a healthcare professional, suffering from a physical illness, having a mood disorder, a history of suicide attempts, and issues with drug or alcohol consumption. We reiterate the hypothesis that homicide-suicide and suicide are two distinct outcomes of a common process. The results are interpreted considering the stream analogy for lethal violence. Limitations and future avenues are discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 1478-9957 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14789949.2025.2467096 |
