Attitudes of Professional and Community Groups Toward Male and Female Suicide

Abstract

Further to the work of Broverman et al. (1972) and others, this study explored whether different attitudes exist toward female as opposed to male suicidal behaviours, and, in turn, whether these conceptions would vary according to one's professional discipline. Psychologists (N = 38), social workers (N = 45), registered nurses (N = 43), and 42 lay persons completed the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (Domino et al., 1982). Half of each group's questionnaires referred to a female target person, and half referred to a male. Judged seriousness of behaviour for males vs. females was significantly different on 22 items, and significant differences between professional groups appeared on 36 items. Some female suicide behaviours were perceived as less serious than were the same behaviors when performed by a male. Further analyses, and implications for theory and practice in the community, are outlined.