Analyzed data on suicides in California from variety of sources. Found that, from 1970 to 1990 California experienced 32% decline in suicide, which was particularly pronounced among women, nonwhites, the young, and urban dwellers. Suicide declines of over 50% were recorded in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and large decreases occurred in other…

Used recent technology for assessment of creativity to examine association between problem solving and suicide ideation among 81 college students who completed three kinds of problem-finding and problem-solving tasks. Found that problem generation scores were significantly correlated with suicide ideation, even after stress was statistically…

Investigated relationship between interpersonal problems, coping style, and suicide risk among 71 adult psychiatric inpatients. Patients admitted with history of suicidal attempts were compared with patients admitted for other reasons. Interpersonal problems were significantly and positively related to suicide risk. Coping style of suppression was…

Investigated relationship between maladaptation and environmental preferences of 33 male prisoners who had engaged in deliberate, self-harm earlier in their incarceration. Found that good and poor adaptors had significantly different environmental preference profiles. Good adaptors were more likely to prefer Activity and Social Stimulation and…

Sixty elementary school students reported their own suicidal thoughts and behaviors on Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire and completed Hopelessness Scale for Children. Neither attitudes toward life and death nor hopelessness accounted for significant amount of variance in suicidal behaviors. Only significant correlation was between hopelessness and…

Presents case of man who died suddenly on morning of his fifty-sixth birthday and whose death was ruled to be from natural causes. Describes wife's handling of situation, victim's past medical history, and allegations and facts concerning his business and financial affairs. Comments are included from Timothy Michaels, MD, and Robert Litman, MD.…

Examines the role that hopelessness plays in the suicidal ideation of a geriatric population (N=60). Results show that the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation depends on the level of depression. Highlights the importance of considering depression and hopelessness simultaneously when assessing and treating geriatric suicidal…

Suicide, currently the second major cause of death among youth, is increasing. Dealing with the aftermath of student suicide requires unusual interventions called "postventions." Important functions include preventing cluster suicides, reducing student isolation, and aiding survivors in the grieving process. Planning involves four steps:…

The role of response to cognitive therapy as a predictor of suicide was investigated by comparing 17 outpatients with mood disorders who committed suicide with 17 matched patients who did not commit suicide. Significant differences were found on several variables including higher levels of hopelessness at termination of therapy. (Author/EMK)

Studied the relationship between the occurrence of specific Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) basic scale profile patterns and the frequency of endorsement of three items related to suicide ideation. Responses from 348 adolescents with psychiatric disorders show higher basic clinical scale profiles for those endorsing…

The gender paradox of suicidal behavior is critically examined. Statistical data showing female predominance in nonfatal suicidal behavior and the question of male predominance in suicide mortality are studied with attention to possible reporting artifacts using World Health Organization data. Four theories on the gender paradox are reviewed and…

The current pattern of suicides, including sex differences, is described. Institutional practices, material conditions, and social norms are explored. A study inquiring into Sri Lankan's perceptions of the problem is presented. Gender differences and cultural meanings of suicide are discussed, and questions addressing the source of suicidal…

The suicide rate for children aged 10 to 14 has doubled over the last 10 years, making suicide the fourth leading cause of death for that age group. Offers important information on suicide prevention for educators. (ASK)

Investigates the relationship between preference for heavy metal music and vulnerability to suicide among high school students. Results indicate that preference for heavy metal music among adolescents may be sign of increased suicidal vulnerability, but also suggests that the source of the problem may lie more in personal and familial…

Interviews with 61 adolescents in juvenile detention centers revealed a very high rate of emotional disorders, especially suicide thoughts and attempts. However, recent health care changes result in adolescents' longer stays in detention centers rather than in the residential treatment that they need. (SK)