Citation

Devries KM, Séguin M. Key Iss. Ment. Health 2013; 178: 148-158.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013)

DOI

10.1159/000342029

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide is usually conceptualized as a men's issue. In this chapter, we present evidence on prevalence of suicidal behaviour in women, an overview of selected theories to explain women's suicidal behaviour, evidence on the correlation between violence and suicide, and a review of selected longitudinal research on the topic. Prevalence is high, with data from women in 10 different, mainly low and middle income countries suggesting that between <1 and 12% of women have ever attempted suicide. Women have been historically neglected in suicide research, but more modern theoretical developments emphasising the role of trauma in the production of adverse mental health outcomes underline the potentially important role women's experiences of violence could play in suicidal behaviour. Women who report experiencing various childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence are at higher risk of attempting suicide versus women who have not experienced violence, and longitudinal studies suggest that the relationship is a causal one. Because violence exposure can increase risk of suicide, interventions to reduce suicidal behaviour and improve mental health among women must adopt a gendered perspective and address women's experiences of violence. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Language: en