Comparative Study of Handwriting Variables in Suicide and Control Notes

The purpose of this study was to test whether handwriting taken from suicide notes contained identifiable graphic characteristics which were significantly different from handwriting of controls reproducing the same notes. 16 notes were analyzed. Distinguishable differences were found between the handwriting found in notes & controls, e.g. excessive capitalization was observed in the notes of the suicides. Implications of the significant results & recommendations for further study were discussed.