Sex Differences in Attitudes Toward Suicide: do Males Stigmatize Males?

This study compares female & male reactions to troubled female & male target figures. Results replicate the findings of 4 earlier studies that showed that females are more sympathetic than males toward suicidal target figures. Unlike previous studies, however, this study also shows that female sympathy ratings were not influenced by whether or not target figures were suicidal. Male ratings did show such an influence. Results are discussed in light of sex-role stereotyping of males. (17 refs.)