Dissertation thesis submitted to the Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science.

This dissertation investigates the role that shame plays in suicidality, a link that has seldom been considered. The aim of the dissertation is to make a difference to the ways in which psychotherapists, counsellors and medical clinicians perceive individuals with suicidal intentions. It does this by providing knowledge on the impact that shame feelings have on the internal and external experience of a person and how this may lead them to suicide. The method of research is by way of a modified systematic literature review and uses key psychology and psychotherapy databases. The case of Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the rock band "Nirvana", is used as an example to demonstrate the connection between shame and suicide. Theories on suicide are presented. Contributing factors that lead to suicide or attempted suicide in New Zealand are also presented. Although the link to family violence is not extensively discussed, it does briefly mention some of the findings from the Canterbury Suicide Project in Christchurch. One of these findings was that disturbed or unhappy family and childhood backgrounds play a role in young people who either attempt or complete suicide. Common themes from the literature are discussed as well as clinical implications for the practicing therapist. Recommendations for further research are given.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT