Citation

Stice BD, Sara Canetto S. Clin. Gerontol. 2008; 31(4): 4-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07317110801947144

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide is culturally patterned. A cultural perspective, however, is rarely used to examine suicidal behavior among dominant groups in industrialized countries. This study explored the culture of suicide in the U.S. Mountain West region. Specifically, it examined the perceived precipitants and protectors of older adult suicide in a Mountain West community with higher than national average rates of older adult suicide, particularly among males of European-American descent. Respondents read a fictional local obituary of an older male or older female who died by suicide. They indicated what they believed were the two most likely precipitants, the number of suicides due to those precipitants, and the three most effective protective factors. Physical illness and death of a first-degree relative were ranked as the most likely suicide precipitants. Illness was thought to be a more likely precipitant than interpersonal or impersonal problems. Family, friends, religious beliefs, and counseling were believed to be the most effective suicide protectors. These findings add to past evidence of a belief, among European Americans, that physical illness is a key influence in older adult suicide. This belief may act as a cultural script for older adults of European-American descent, particularly males, given the association between physical integrity and dominant masculinity.

Language: en

Keywords

Masculinity; Cultural scripts; Older suicide