Inferred characteristics of successful suicides as function of gender and context.
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.
Lewis
R J
RJ
Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267.
Shepeard
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010552:Personality Assessment; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention