Year: 1975 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.127, (1975), p.257-264 SIEC No: 19830932

25 documents & 50 nurses were asked to indicate typical motives for self-poisoning & to choose motives for 4 typical case histories. They then rated each motive for acceptability & understandability, & each case for sympathy & help deserved. 2 principal motives were ‘manipulative’ & ‘depressive’, with depressive being more acceptable & evoking more sympathy & readiness to help. Nurses were generally more accepting, sympathetic, & likely to seek professional help. 4 refs. (RM)