The Communicative Aspect of Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior – are There Gender Differences?

Data from the Norwegian part of the WHO/EURO Multicenter Study on Suicidal Behavior were used to investigate gender differences in the communicative aspect of nonfatal suicidal behavior by means of analyzing precipitating factors, intentions involved in & effects of the suicidal act within the frame of Qvortrup’s interpretation of speech-act theory. Virtually no gender differences were found, negating the view that persons engaging in nonfatal suicidal behavior should receive different treatment based on gender. (44 refs)