The Role of Gender and Suicide Precipitant in Attitudes Toward Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2002
Department
Psychology
Abstract
This study examined factors affecting young adults' attitudes about nonfatal suicidal behavior. It evaluated how respondent sex, respondent gender identity, the precipitant of the suicidal act (i.e., a relationship loss, an achievement failure, or a physical illness), and gender of the suicidal person influence reactions to a suicidal decision. In this study of nonfatal suicidal behavior, like in studies of suicide, attitudes were least negative when the suicidal act was in response to a physical illness. Men were more liked, to agree with and accept the suicidal decision than women. Androgynous persons, on the other hand, tended to view the decision to kill oneself as foolish, independent of precipitant They also reported less agreement, acceptance, and sympathy for such decision The implications of these findings for the prevention of suicidal behaviors are considered. Because gender seems to play a role in the acceptability of suicidal behavior prevention programs ought to explicitly examine gender issues in attitudes toward suicidal behavior.
Publication Title
Death Studies
Volume
26
Issue
2
First Page
99
Last Page
116
Recommended Citation
Dahlen, E. R.,
Canetto, S. S.
(2002). The Role of Gender and Suicide Precipitant in Attitudes Toward Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior. Death Studies, 26(2), 99-116.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/3688