Males are not only stronger than most of their female counterparts, the methods of suicide tend to be more lethal as well. According to research, "the higher male suicide rank is explained in part by males' more frequent use of lethal methods (e.g. firearms and hanging), but surely that cannot be the entire explanation," (Maris et a. 2000:75). This is true. There is a whole array of explanations lurking within the mental state of the individual, as well as the external world.
In face, gender differences found within the context of society itself can also be attributed to the increased risk for males. Within most of the world, men are considered the providers. Thus, there is lots of social pressure to succeed and become a provider, which the female is not expected to do. This pressure can then build up, and with social pressure to act like a man and keep it inside, there is no release. When men are unsatisfied, depressed, or in need, there is a tendency for men not to be as open as their female counterparts. Rather than opening up for help, "They may grow hopeless (whereas women are allowed to be helpless) and, if men seek help (which they are not likely to do), they are closer to the edge than a woman would be," (Maris et al. 2000:152). Also within the context of the New Zealand study, the concept that men in more rural occupations were the largest number of confirmed suicide, "Since a substantial number of farmers and farm laborers killed themselves in urban...
Additionally, known psychiatric pasts prove a large influence in the motivation for more men to commit suicide. Around a quarter of male suicide cases stem from some sort of psychiatric illness or condition. This is seen around the world, and is exacerbated in correctional facilities; "an above-average proportion of prison suicides have a history of mental illness," (Leibling 1992:45). Depression and mood disturbance disorders have been attributed to another quarter of case motivation. Alcohol or drug addiction proving the motive for about 13% of the population in one study (Liebling 1992). Alcohol abuse has also long been attributed as reasoning for the higher rates of male suicide (Weaver & Munro 2009:936).
Evidence of causation can help curb the motivation to actually commit suicide. If risk factors are explored to their utmost capacities, new methods for prevention can then be perfected. Modern research in motivation is thus crucial to preventing future generations to following suit.
Maris, Ronald W.; Berman, Alan L.; & Silverman, Morton M. (2000). Comprehensive Textbook of Suicidology. Guilford Press.
Larson, Ruth. (1998). Lithium prevents suicides. Insight on the News. 14(18):39-40.
Leibling, Alison. (1992). Suicides in Prison. Routledge Press.
Weaver, John…
