She Died for Love and He for Glory: Gender Myths of Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have long reported that, in North America, patterns of suicidal behavior differ by gender: women “attempt” suicide; men “complete” suicide. Theories of suicidal behavior also differ according to gender. Traditionally, women are said to be suicidal for love; men, for pride and performance. Are these gender differences “real?” Are women's attempts “failed” suicides? Do suicidal men “succeed” when they kill themselves? Is women's self-definition dependent on love? Is men's dependent on performance? Evidence currently available does not support traditional theories of gender and suicidal behavior. As culturally shared assumptions, however, traditional theories may influence the suicidal choices of women and men, as well as the assumptions and research methods of suicidologists.