The author first elaborates why it is important to focus on cultural issues in suicidological research & thereafter discusses what it actually means to have a cultural focus/perspective on the research. Some of the challenges, as well as opportunities, are then discussed. The main focus is, however, on challenges & these are conceptual, theoretical, methodological, ethical, & political in nature. Qualitative methodology is proposed in order to be able to analyse the cultural contributions to suicidal behaviour. The need for a theoretical framework is also discussed. Challenges particularly relevant for research in low & middle income countries &/or among minority groups in high income countries are reviewed. (116 refs.) JA