Bowles presents research findings from a study of suicide & attempted suicide conducted in Western Samoa from 1981 to 1984. Retrospective data was also gathered for 1976-1981. Data for 1956-1976 was from coroner’s reports only. Suicide was found to be steadily increasing, especially for young males. Rates for 1981-83 were 71/100,000 for those 15-24 & 75/100,000 for those 25-34. Paraquat poisoning was the most usual method. Several other findings are examined. 6 Tables, 7 Figures. (NBB)