Nonfatal suicidal behavior among Chinese women who have been physically abused by their male intimate partners.
Three hundred fifty-three women (median age = 32 years) admitted to the emergency rooms of nine general hospitals serving rural areas in China were interviewed for nonfatal suicidal behavior. Spousal conflict was the most commonly reported cause for their suicidal behavior and one third of respondents reported being victims of physical abuse by their spouses. Compared to non-abused women, abused women were younger, had more disturbed family relationships, and experienced less financial hardship and more divorce. No differences were found between the groups in the proportion who reported psychiatric symptoms or in the level of suicidal intent; however, abused women were less impulsive and expressed more sadness at not having been successful in ending their lives.
Wong
Susan P Y
SP
Beijing Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, China. wong.susan@medstudent.pitt.edu
Phillips
Michael R
MR
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D001519:Behavior; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002681:China; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires