The Role of Gender and Suicide Precipitation in Attitudes Toward Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior

This study examined factors affecting young adults’ attitudes about nonfatal suicidal behaviour. It evaluated how respondent sex, respondent gender identity, the precipitant of the suicidal act (ie. a relationship loss, an achievement failure, or a physical illness), & gender of the suicidal person influence reactions to a suicidal decision. Attitudes were least negative when the suicidal act was in response to a physical illness. Men were more likely to agree with & accept the suicidal decision than women. Androgynous persons tended to view it as foolish, independent of precipitant. They also reported less agreement, acceptance, & sympathy for such decisions. (45 refs)