Citation

Stephens BJ. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1985; 15(2): 77-90.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

4002278

Abstract

This study describes the specific conflicts which suicidal women experience in their intimate relationships with men. Fifty women who had made suicide attempts were studied with a focus on the contributing role of their relationships with men to the genesis of the suicidal acts. Four major themes were found in the relationships: "smothering love", infidelity, battering, and denial of affection. The women experienced these conflicts as major precipitants in their suicidal behaviors. Examples of the four themes are described and analyzed.