Gender differences in suicide

Male gender roles tend to emphasize greater levels of strength, independence, risk-taking behavior, economic status, and individualism.

[26] In the Western world, females are more likely to maintain social and familial connections that they can turn to for support after losing their spouse.

One theory put forward for the smaller gap is the increased burden of motherhood due to cultural norms.

In regions where the identity of females is constructed around the family, having young children may correlate with lower risks for suicide.

[22] At the same time, stigma attached to infertility or having children outside of marriage can contribute to higher rates of suicide among women.

The four cultural factors – power-distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity – were measured for 66 countries using data from the World Health Organization.

Power-distance, defined as the social separation of people based on finances or status, was negatively correlated with suicide.

[24] The study ultimately found that stabilizing cultural factors had a stronger effect on suicide rates for women than men.

[24] The reported difference in suicide rates for males and females is partially a result of the methods used by each gender.

[9][14][15] Males frequently die by suicide via high mortality actions such as hanging, carbon-monoxide poisoning, and firearms.

[22] The Campaign Against Living Miserably is a charity in the UK that attempts to highlight this issue for public discussion.

Some studies have found that because young females are at a higher risk of attempting suicide, policies tailored towards this demographic are most effective at reducing overall rates.

Researchers have also recommended more aggressive and long-term treatments and follow up for males that show indications of suicidal thoughts.

Among the nations of Europe, the gender gap is particularly large in Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Belarus, and Hungary.

[41] A higher male mortality from suicide is also evident from data of non-Western countries: the Caribbean, often considered part of the West is the most prominent example.

[42] The contrast is even greater today, with WHO statistics showing China as the only country where the suicide rate of females matches or exceeds that of males.

[47] Traditional gender roles in China hold women responsible for keeping the family happy and intact.