Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior Among Chinese Women who Have Been Physically Abused by Their Male Intimate Partners

353 women, median age 32 years, admitted to the emergency rooms of 9 general hospitals in rural China were interviewed about nonfatal suicidal behaviour. Spousal conflict was the most commonly reported cause for their suicidal behaviour & one-third of respondents reported being victims of physical abuse by their spouses. Compared to non-abused women, abused women were younger, had more disturbed family relationships, & experienced less financial hardship & more divorce. No differences were found between the groups in the proportion who reported psychiatric symptoms or in the level of suicidal intent; however, abused women were less impulsive & expressed more sadness at not having ended their lives. (46 refs.)