Citation

Lewis RJ, Shepeard G. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1992; 22(2): 187-196.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1626332

Abstract

This paper examines college students' attributions about suicide as a function of gender and context (athletic vs. relationship failure). Results indicated that male athletes who suicided were considered more emotionally well-adjusted compared to males who suicided because of a relationship failure and all females. Male and female athletes who suicided were seen as more competent and less distressed compared to those who suffered a failed relationship. Females were also seen as more distressed compared to males. These results are discussed in terms of a positive bias toward athletes in our society as well as gender stereotypes. Implications of these findings as well as methodological limitations are discussed.