Community Attitudes to Suicidal Behaviour: a 20 Years Follow-Up

The relationship between attitudes & suicidal behaviour was examined by surveying the beliefs & knowledge of high risk cohort members (16-26 years, 55+ years). 400 members of the Hobart community completed a questionnaire. Results were compared to those of a study conducted 20 years ago in Hobart. Gender differences in attitudes were evident. A reduction in reported sympathetic attitudes over the past 20 years coincided with increases in suicidal behaviour rates over that time period.