Which statement best reflects Freud's view of suicide as described in psychodynamic theory?

Which statement best reflects Freud's view of suicide as described in psychodynamic theory?

• A. murder turned around 180 degrees
• B. a form of self-punishment
• C. an expression of anger toward others
• D. a rational self-preservation act

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is Freud’s view that suicide arises from aggression and destructive energy that is redirected inward, like murder turned against the self. In psychodynamic terms, aggressive urges that would normally harm another person are redirected toward the self, producing self-destructive behavior. This framing emphasizes inward turning of a hostile impulse rather than self-punishment, external anger toward others, or a rational act of preserving life. So describing suicide as “murder turned around” best captures Freud’s concept of inward-directed aggression as the core mechanism.

The main idea being tested is Freud’s view that suicide arises from aggression and destructive energy that is redirected inward, like murder turned against the self. In psychodynamic terms, aggressive urges that would normally harm another person are redirected toward the self, producing self-destructive behavior. This framing emphasizes inward turning of a hostile impulse rather than self-punishment, external anger toward others, or a rational act of preserving life. So describing suicide as “murder turned around” best captures Freud’s concept of inward-directed aggression as the core mechanism.