Citation

Houle J. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 84.

Affiliation

Direction de Sante Publique de Montreal, 1301, Rue Sherbrooke Est, H2L 1M3 Montreal, Quebec, CANADA. jhoule@santepub-mtl.qc.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964002

Abstract

The objective of this study was to better understand the causes of men's vulnerability to suicide. It specifically examined if men who attempt suicide are less socially integrated, ask for help less frequently, have less social support available, feel that suicide is an acceptable alternative, and adhere more closely to traditional male roles. The study compared men 20 to 59 years of age, 40 of whom were admitted to hospital emergency rooms after a suicide attempt and 40 who had never attempted suicide. All participants had experienced a significant difficult life event during the last year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results indicated that men who attempt suicide are more dependent on their partners and this may increase their vulnerability to suicidal behaviours when a love relationship ends. The study also found that men who attempted suicide have fewer sustained and involved relationships with their children and feel less competent in their roles as fathers. They perceive that less social support is available in their social networks and they ask for help less frequently after the most difficult life events experienced during the last year. They were also less satisfied with the help they received. Finally, men who attempt suicide experience more masculine gender role conflicts that have a negative impact on suicide risk and protective factors. Several clinical issues emerged from this study.

Language: en