Year: 2010 Source: Suicidology Online, v.1, (2010), p.79-87 SIEC No: 20101069

This study compared attitudes towards suicide among regional politicians in Austria, Hungary, Lithuania, Norway, & Sweden. The Attitudes Towards Suicide questionnaire was used. Results indicated the acceptance of suicide was higher among Lithuanian, Hungarian, & Austrian politicians (high suicide rate, no national prevention strategies) than among Norwegian & Swedish politicians (relatively low suicide rates, national prevention strategies). The same split in attitudes was found concerning preparedness to help a person in a suicidal crisis. Male politicians were slightly more optimistic than female politicians regarding the perceived preventability of suicide. Differences among countries in suicide rates & suicide prevention policies are reflected in the attitudes of politicians. (27 refs.) JA