Resource Tag: HENRY AND SHORT'S THEORY

Sociological theories of suicide, which derive from Durkheim’s theory are examined. After a brief discussion of Durkheim’s work, reformulations including Johnson’s approach, Powell’s approach, Ginsberg’s reformulation, Gibbs & Martin’s theory & Douglas’ approach are reviewed. Reformulations of Durkheim’s theory seek to make the theory testable. 8 Refs. (LH)

Presents information on various theories of suicide including the formulations of Durkheim, Henry & Short, Gibbs & Martin along with theories such as social isolation, social integration, & psychopathology. The theories are said to reflect a controversy regarding the psychiatric thesis & the sociological thesis & is is postulated that the continued study of suicide […]

The relationship between status and suicide has not been clearly established. Henry and Short suggested a direct relationship, but subsequent research has proposed an inverse association. This study of elderly males finds that the highest suicide rate is found at the lowest class level; class differential in suicide is explained by a direct relationship between […]

James F. Short takes exception to Bock & Webber’s interpretation of Henry & Short’s view of social status & the relational system of elderly suicides. The elderly as a group are of relatively low status, he states, & should therefore have low suicide rates; but they also have weaker relationships with others, which may predict […]

The Henry & Short theory that as the quality of life becomes better, suicide should become more common, & homicidal behavior less common was tested using the estes index of social progress. Results supported the hypothesis. 3 ref. (NBB)

From Henry & Short’s theory of suicide & homicide, it was predicted that nations with members who conform more should have a relatively high homicide rate & low suicide rate. 2 measures of conformity with scores available for samples of males in several nations were used. Neither measure provided significant associations between the conformity scores […]

It was predicted that nations with internal conflict (as operationally measured by the incidence of riots & armed internal conflicts) should have a high homicide rate & a low suicide rate. A cross-national study of 41 nations provided evidence that this prediction was confirmed when controls were introduced for the level of industrialization of the […]

Many authors have discussed suicidal behavior in terms which refer to the concept of internal-external orientation. Individuals can perceive rewards & punishments that they receive in life either as contingent upon their own behaviour (internal locus of control) or upon the behaviour of others or by chance (external locus of control). The purpose of this […]

This article analyzes deviance in the context of changing Sinhalese society. The author asserts that homicide, suicide & property offences are primarily manifestations of status deprivation for the highest cultivator caste due to land scarcity & the absence of appropriate employment opportunities. (23 refs) (SC)

The aggressive behaviors of nonliterate societies, as manifested in their suicide and homicide rates, were investigated to see if they were related to socialization practices in the societies. No association was found. This was seen as casting doubt on the hypothesis put forward by Henry and Short and by Gold of such an association.

The paper discusses the hypothesis that suicide is common where external frustrations & restraints are minimal. Hypothesis was used to account for several phenomena, such as the high suicide rate on the West Coast, the high rate in the spring, & the low rate during war, & to predict other cases where suicidal behaviour might […]

Predicted that nations with a free press would have relatively high suicide rates and relatively low homicide rates. From an examination of data from 41 nations, it was found that nations with a free press had a higher homicide rate than nations without a free press but a similar suicide rate. Results do not support […]

Measured psychopathology in 108 suicide attempters & 42 persons arrested for assault, using the Katz Adjustment Scales. Compared scores with those of 3rd party respondents, who knew the subject well & with 450 controls’ scores. Attempters & assaulters displayed significantly more psychopathology than the controls. Attempters were differentiated from the assaulters on 6 items: helplessness, […]