The consistently high suicide rates of older White males provide a strong rationale for increased study of the geriatric suicide problem. Data related to White males aged 60 and older who killed themselves in Arizona during 1970 through 1975 are presented. (Author)

When the effectiveness and mortality-morbidity of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are compared with those of drug therapies, it appears that ECT is an effective and preferred treatment strategy. It remains underutilized as a modality of suicide prevention. Addresses controversies that presently limit the use of this treatment. (Author/ABB)

Study of the continental United States showed that an index of "southernness" was associated with the homicide rate but not with the suicide rate. However, the rate of suicide by firearms and the rate of lethal accidents with firearms were both associated with this index of southernness. (Author/KS)

Explored variation of suicide and homicide rates in the major standard metropolitan statistical areas of the United States to see whether regional variations in temperature and precipitation could account for some of the variation. Only the correlation between precipitation and homicide rates survived controls for latitude and longitude.…

A study of the various United States as of 1940 showed that suicide rates were higher and homicide rates were lower in states where the quality of life was higher. These findings support a hypothesis derived from Henry and Short's (1954) theory of suicide and homicide. (Author)

With adolescents as the most likely victims of suicide, students can become the first line of defense. This article outlines reasons for suicide, warning signs and behaviors, and ways to help. Activities that enable students to view suicide as a desperate act which can be understood and prevented are suggested. (MT)

Annual official statistics for specific methods of suicide (firearms, hanging, poisons) by age for different sex and racial groups (Whites, Blacks, non-Whites excluding Black) were examined from 1960 to 1978. Comparisons among the age-sex-race groups, along with trends over time and differences in the methods employed, were noted. (Author/ABL)

Near-death experiences, profound subjective experiences occurring during a close brush with death and containing transcendental or mystical elements, have been reported to reduce suicidal ideation, despite their "romanticization" of death. Further studies are indicated in regard to the effect of those experiences on subsequent suicidal…

Explored the relationship between knowledge about suicide lethality and attitudes toward suicide among mental health professionals. Results indicated significant group differences, with psychiatrists, psychologists, and crisis interventionists showing a significantly greater degree of knowledge; clergy scored lowest of all groups. Knowledge was…

The crucial concept for defining suicide is intention. A major purpose of the psychological autopsy is to clarify the pre-mortem intentions of the victim, now deceased. This article reports cases in which the issue of suicide vs. accident came to trial because insurance benefits were at issue. (Author/BL)

This study of suicide notes involved deduction of 25 protocol sentences that reflected important specific aspects of Freud's formulations regarding suicide. Independent judges noted incidence of contents corresponding to protocol sentences in 33 genuine and 33 simulated notes. Comparisons between genuine and simulated notes revealed that protocol…

Explains the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior reported for most countries in the European Economic Community over the last two decades, within the framework of a social learning theory. A typology of suicidal acts based on an outcome-expectancy model is proposed. (Author/BL)

The suicide rate of young people in the United States rose 237 percent between 1960 and 1980. This paper addresses three related issues: epidemic versus artifact; stress in adolescence; and the distinctive traits of the lifestyles or careers of a random sample of young Chicago suicides. (Author/BL)

Related annual variations in United States suicide rates between 1972 and 1978 to annual variations in church attendance of representative subpopulations of the United States (N=1,500). Results supported the general hypothesis that religiosity deters suicide. (LLL)

This presentation and training aid provides a brief overview and discussion of the nature and scope of youth suicide, what prevention programs try to do, a framework for a public health approach, guides to programs and more. This material can be used for both handouts and as overheads for use with presentations. (GCP)