Much suicidal behavior reflects loss of status & roles defined by gender. Men are likely to define self-worth in terms of external phenomena, women in terms of internal, emotional, interpersonal ones. For example, men may find retirement stressful due to loss of responsibility. Some women become suicidal over children leaving home, divorce, or widowhood because relationships are the only source of status & social importance. Recent change in gender-specific roles is another cause of stress. (KM)