On the basis of 114 cases treated during one year at a Naval Hospital, various aspects of the problem of abortive suicide attempts have been studied. It was found that the majority are histrionic, aggressive demonstrations, but that this behavior may be encountered in a wide variety of psychotic, neurotic, and personality disorders. Examination of the method employed and of the motives cited by the patients, provided the best clues for evaluation of true suicidal intent.A hypothesis is presented concerning the psychodynamics of insincere suicide gestures, suggesting that this aberration is related to suicide, but that aggression in these cases has not been internalized to the same extent.Abstract Teaser