Stockholm and Los Angeles: a Cross Cultural Study of the Communication of Suicidal Intent

Presents a study on the issue of commmunication of suicidal intent. 50 cases of suicide were selected from coroners records in both cities. Using “psychological autopsy” interviews were held with family of the decedent 2 months after their death. Results were: 60% made verbal threats prior to death in both cities, & 80% made direct threats. Emphasizes cross cultural differences in data, need for better understanding of suicide dynamics among laymen & implications for future research.