The Choice of Weapons: A Study of Methods of Suicide by Sex, Race, and Religion

The relationship of sex, race & region to methods of suicide are used to test the validity of 2 theories which attempt to explain the choice of methods among suicide victims. The 2 theories, lethality of intent & differential socialization with firearms, are briefly discussed. Data are collected from official death certificates in 5 cities during a 3 yr period. The findings provide little support for the lethality of intent theory & only partial support for the differential socialization theory.