Suicidal Behavior: Toward an Explanation of Differences in Female and Male Rates

ABSTRACT: The explanation of sex differences is based on Breed's five “components of a basic suicide syndrome” which appears to be a satisfactory model for explaining male suicide. Thus far it has not been used to explain female suicidal behavior and sex differences in attempts. It appears that if sex differences are noted the model is adequate. This is because the same factors affect the sexes differently; the content and structure of the roles are different. Failure for males is obvious, but the female role is diffuse and lacking in standards for both success and failure. Female commitment to role and cultural goals is not less, just different and diffuse. Rigidity of roles varies but male goals are usually more specific. Shame, when men do blame themselves, is in the context of a narrow role. Contrary to popular belief, isolation of men is probably greater than that of women.     

Impact of Androgynous and Traditional Sex-Role Orientations on Evaluations of Successful Performance

This study examined the impact of subjects'sex-role orientation (either traditional or androgynous) on their evaluations of successful women or men in sex-linked occupations. The hypothesis that sex-typed subjects would respond less negatively to success when the successful person was in an occupation consistent with sex stereotypes, while androgynous subjects would be more concerned with success, was not supported by the results. Significant effects of subject sex as well as sex-role orientation, and of cue character and occupation, were found tor various measures. The differences between these findings and those of earlier studies are discussed.