Citation

Pillay AL, van der Veen MB, Wassenaar DR. S. Afr. Med. J. 2001; 91(5): 429-432.

Affiliation

Department of Medically Applied Psychology, University of Natal, Durban.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, South African Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11455809

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the precipitants of non-fatal suicidal behaviour in women using a gender-based comparison. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of case records. Data were analysed using chi-square tests of significance. SUBJECTS: One hundred men and 100 women admitted for non-fatal suicidal behaviour at a general hospital. OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects' biographical details and self reports of precipitating factors such as marital conflict, spousal extramarital affairs, alcohol abuse and marital violence. RESULTS: Significantly more married women than men cited spousal extramarital affairs, spousal alcohol abuse and marital violence as precipitants of their self-destructive behaviours. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasise the role of spousal behaviour and resultant stress in precipitating non-fatal suicidal behaviour in women. Preventive efforts must focus on the psychological, social and economic empowerment of women.

Language: en