Multivariate hazards regression analysis of data from the 1979-85 National Longitudinal Mortality Study provided mixed results concerning the social integration hypothesis of suicide. Among white males, divorced or separated men and those living alone had significantly higher risks of suicide mortality, but single and widowed men did not have…

Two groups reported significant differences in their conservatism and in their opinion of suicide. Correlations between conservatism and attitudes toward suicide were highly similar, with more conservative individuals perceiving suicide as related to mental illness, religion, and moral evil, and less so as a right to die. (RJM)

An analysis of suicide methods revealed that 78.7 percent of one state's suicides used a firearm. Whites had a higher risk of using firearms in suicide than nonwhites. Married, widowed, and divorced persons were more likely to use a firearm than those who had never married. Other findings are discussed. (RJM)

This study of 266 college students, using strict and liberal definitions of sexual abuse, suggests that adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse that involved touching are more suicidal and have less cognitive deterrents to suicide than adults who did not, regardless of gender or whether they were abused by adults or peers. (Author/JDD)

College students (n=228) completed a suicide ideation questionnaire and read one of 4 scenarios: cancer, AIDS, schizophrenia, and depression. People in the cancer and AIDS scenario were viewed as the most justified in committing suicide. Suicide ideators saw the people in the scenarios as justified in committing suicide more often than did…

The growing number of people with AIDS and the incidence of suicide within this population make it increasingly likely that the mandatory suicide intervention strategy of many professionals may be swayed after contact with an infected person. Thus, AIDS may provide an impetus to change the traditional absolutist approach of suicide intervention…

Surveyed 409 high school students to determine percentage who had experienced suicidal ideation. Sample was then divided into high- and low-suicidal-risk groups. High-risk students were found to have significantly poorer quality friendships, lower self-esteem, and had experienced more life stress in previous year. (Author/NB)

A study of family dynamics and it relationship to lethality and hopelessness for 34 families of suicidal adolescents and 15 families of nonsuicidal symptomatic adolescents demonstrates similarities of both types of families in terms of overprotection and enmeshment. Rigidity and conflict avoidance were more evident in suicidal families. (SLD)

From social work perspective, considers ethics of assisted suicide. Discusses traditional social work value of client self-determination and identifies tensions in this ideal and conflicts with value of client well-being. Finds assisted suicide unethical, arguing that studies have shown judgment of most suicidal people to be impaired as result of…

Provides a test for counselors to determine their current level of knowledge concerning suicide. Also provides methods of determining the potential suicide risks for persons as well as strategies for suicide intervention. Intended for counselors who deal with suicidal behavior on an occasional basis. (Author)

Compared 40 adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) to 40 non-ACAs on problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, shame, suicidal ideation, and substance use; examined gender differences among ACAs; explored relations between problem-solving appraisal, perceived social support, and shame in predicting suicidal ideation and substance use. ACAs…

This article addresses the preparation of teachers concerning their legal responsibilities when school-age children threaten or attempt suicide. Court-determined responsibilities of teachers are identified, and implications for teachers (such as understanding school policy and careful documentation and reporting of relevant student behavior) are…

Examined life ownership orientation (extent to which one believes that God, individual, or society has power over one's life) among 117 college students who completed Life Ownership Orientation Questionnaire (LOOQ). Found LOOQ scores demonstrated higher predictive validity with regard to attitudes toward abortion, suicide, doctor-assisted suicide,…

Elaborates on standards of care for assessment, management, and treatment of hospitalized suicidal patients. Attempts to synthesize concepts of minimal standard of care with clinical risk management and clinical judgment. Points out areas of overlap and shows where optimum care diverges from legal standards of care. Tables differentiate…

Investigated ways in which clinicians (n=27) and parasuicidal student-patients (n=52) perceive several theoretical dimensions related to suicide: psychological pain, external pressures/stressors, agitation/emotional upsetness, self-regard, and hopelessness. Data suggest that clinicians and patients independently perceived most of these dimensions…