The attitude and behaviour of the person who attempts suicide express a strong wish not to die. The attempt acts out the fantasy of being rescued. The rescuer is chosen from among those who have the capacity to empathize with the suicidal person at a particular time. In 'borderline' and psychotic individuals the choice may be symbolic and vaguely expressed.

The fantasy is an attempt to restore the original relationship between the primal object and the ego of the suicidal person. The rescuer must have a surplus of free libidinal energy with which to love the suicidal person and initiate the rescue, and sufficient ego strength to deal with the sum of the suicidal person's and his own destructive impulses. Often a potential rescuer recognizes the appeal to him, but disregards it for lack of these resources.

(Based on Author's Summary).