There are four levels of human functioning: biological, ontogenetic and psychological, social-relational and cultural-spiritual. The social-relational level exerts its influence through specific individual groups that a person belongs to. Of all groups to which an individual belongs, the family group seems essential, from the ontogenetic-psychological perspective, in acquiring self-confidence, self-esteem and emotional stability.

To assess the possible impact of family group structure on suicidal behavior in suicide attempts.

All suicidal behaviour emergency cases that reached the ER at Bihor County Emergency Hospital (medical and surgical profile) as well as the Psychiatric ER were analyzed. A number of 292 cases were collected from 01.Jan.2012 to 31.Dec.2012. The structure of the family of origin and current family structure were analyzed.

Out of the monitored parameters present in the description of the cases, the existence of a psychiatric diagnosis, presence of somatic illness, marital status, presence of children had no statistical significance. In turn, the structure of family of origin analysis had an unexpected result. Out of all attempted suicide cases, 74.4% were only children. 14% of the cases had one sibling. Families with 3 or 4 children gave 5% of the studied cases, while 4 or more siblings had only 6.6% of the suicide attempters.

Being an only child represents a major risk for suicide attempts. The explanation can be complex and nonlinear. It is also a part of group psychology.