Banality reinvestigated: A computer-based content analysis of suicidal and forced death documents.

Abstract

Suicide and simulated notes and forced-death documents were processed on the Harvard III Psycho-Sociological Dictionary. For each text, frequencies of related words were generated; these were contrasted with each other and with baseline data using z scores. The results indicated that the suicidal groups were more "deviant." Other findings are concreteness and constriction of focus for suicides--a pattern suggesting denial just prior to the deed. The forced-death group seemed to be more meaningfully in contact with life and aware of responsibility. The stimulated group appeared to be fabricating a popular stereotype rather than exhibiting empathy. Implications were discussed.