The Effects of Religion, Superstition, and Perceived Gender Inequality on the Degree of Suicide Intent: a Study of Serious Attempters in China

This study examines the effects of religiosity, superstition, & perceived gender inequality among Chinese women on the degree of their suicide intent. A structured interview was conducted with a consecutive sample of serious attempters hospitalized immediately after the attempt in the Dalian areas. Both univariate analyses & the multiple regression model have found that the higher the degree of religiosity & superstition on metempsychosis, the stronger the suicide intent Chinese women had. Perceived gender inequality is positively correlated with suicide intent, & is especially true for Chinese women. Socio-psychological traits & traditional culture values & norms have important impacts on suicide patterns in Chinese societies. (24 refs.)