Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Alienation Induced Suicide: A Christian Personalism Perspective

Abstract

Suicide among athletes and military personnel diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was an international concern (Korngold, Farrell, & Fozdar, 2013; Wortzel, Shura, & Brenner, 2013; Kristof, 2012; Meterko, et al., 2012; Omalu, et al., 2011). Omalu (2013) and Tanner (2010) observed a correlation between brain injury and perceived social alienation resulting in injuries.  It is suggested that, due to the unique social bonds created within each group, athletes and military personnel formed individual identities based on the dynamics of the group.   Current psychotherapeutic approaches had limited effectiveness dealing with suicidal tendencies.  Utilizing Seeman's (1959, 1967, 1971, 1975, and 1983) five alienation factors as redefined under a Christian Neo-Thomistic Personalist approach (Schmidt, 2011, 2012) could provide insight into why CTE-related suicide occurred and thereby initiate discussion regarding adjustments to social and cultural aspects of faith in treatment programs.  
 
KEYWORDS: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, CTE, Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI, Alienation, Suicide, Thomistic Personalism, Christian Personalism