Altruistic Suicide

Altruistic suicide describes when individuals kill themselves in order to benefit other people.

Altruism is social behavior that means doing good for the sake of others. Altruistic suicide was a concept first identified by Emile Durkheim and is when a person commits suicide in order to benefit others. Altruistic suicide is sometimes viewed as a courageous act such as self-sacrifice during times of war.

For example, a soldier jumping on a grenade in order to save others yet kills him would be a form of altruistic suicide. Sometimes individuals will commit altruistic suicide when they are facing a terminal illness because they believe it will be better for their friends and family.