Comparison of Male and Female Suicides in a Defined Community

This study is based on data collected on 3,277 white suicides occurring during the period 1925-1979 in Sacramento County, California. A comparison of trends in suicide by sex provided information on differences & similarities between males & females in age-at-death, demographic characteristics & evidence of presuicide disintegration. Some significant findings were: lower rates of suicide in females; distinct differences between males & females in both presuicide characteristics & behaviors. NBB