The phenomenon of suicide considered from criminological, sociological and legal perspectives. Case study – Warmia and Mazury Voivodship

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to characterise the phenomenon of suicide and to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon, reaching to its aetiology, characterising its symptomatic forms, confronting it with the norms of Polish criminal law and assessing the symptomological tendencies in the area in question.

Method: the point of reference for the study is suicides committed or attempted in the area of the selected territorial unit in Poland. Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is a specific region in the context of the whole country. First of all, the Second World War interrupted the relay of generations. The population is largely made up of displaced persons from the east. This community had to forge new interpersonal bonds and create cultural resources from scratch. In addition, the region was hit by high unemployment and a phenomenon of social pauperisation during the political transformation of the 1990s. From a psychological point of view, many suicidogenic factors have accumulated in the region. In terms of police services, the area is under the jurisdiction of the Regional Police Headquarters in Olsztyn. The chosen aim of the research and the research problems determined the choice of methods. The multifaceted nature of the studied phenomenon required the use of several complementary research methods, such as: the formal-dogmatic method, the historical-legal method and the comparative method. The following considerations are also based on the analysis of statistical data on the research subject.

Results: Analysing the phenomenon in question, it was found that the approach to it was and still is conditioned by historical, civilisational circumstances. It is also reflected in legal codifications, in which the legislator departs from punishing potential suicides. At the same time, when considering the phenomenon on a regional scale, no significant deviations from the general trends are noticeable. However, taking into account the social territorial dissimilarity, the local specificity should be taken into account in the creation of support for persons at risk of various dysfunctions that may be the cause of suicide.

Theoretical implications (if applicable): not applicable.

Practical implications (if applicable): The presented analysis of the phenomenon in a regional context will undoubtedly contribute to further research on suicidal behaviour. The local perspective of the article fosters a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the decision to take one's own life. Thus, it may influence the creation of a system of support for people in this regard, taking into account the specifics of the region and social problems resulting from economic and living relations.

Originality/value: the article integrates contemporary knowledge on the symtomology, phenomenology of suicide, allows to identify the main causes of this phenomenon and characterises the legislation in this field. The following article analyses the phenomenon of suicide on a regional scale. The local perspective makes it possible to know in more detail the problems causing negative social behaviour. At the same time, it adequately identifies the problems oscillating around the phenomenon in question. It can be a useful tool for researchers and decision-makers looking for answers to questions in this area and indicate directions for the development of social policy instruments in this area.

Research limitations/ Future research: The phenomenon of self-harm is a very interesting process or moment in the life of the person who commits it. Although suicide has received a great deal of attention in the specialist literature, it still remains completely unexplored. The phenomenon itself touches the realm of the mysterious on the borderline between life and death. Hence the interest in it by many scientific disciplines. In statistical terms, the Polish Police collect detailed data on suicides. Research limitations in this area result from ethical and moral aspects of the issue, the lack of direct contact with the suicide's environment. The research results themselves are socially internalised and significantly influence the perception of reality. Technically, the use of research is not always morally acceptable. At the same time, research fulfils social needs and expectations for the creation of instruments to prevent suicide attacks.