Opinions About and Reactions to Suicide, and the Social Acceptance of a Suicidal Classmate Among Turkish High School Students

The present study investigated the opinions about suicide & reactions to a suicidal peer among 89 female & 78 male Turkish high school students. Females more than males believed that suicide should be discussed among friends. More males than females perceived suicidal persons to be mentally ill & to be punished in the other world. Females showed greater acceptance for a suicidal classmate than males. An attitude for openly discussing suicide was associated with higher acceptance of a suicidal classmate. (21 refs)