A questionnaire (ATTS) for measuring attitudes towards suicide in population-based surveys was developed & used in 2 postal questionnaire studies in a northern Swedish county, 1986 & 1996. A more permissive & pro-prevention attitude was found in the 1996 wave. The most permissive attitudes were found in groups with lower suicide rates, while individuals reporting their own suicidal problems were more permissive & understanding towards suicide than the non-suicidal. Implications for further research are discussed. (9 refs)