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Men’s Behavior and Communication in the Days Prior to a Suicide—A Psychological Autopsy Study

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Hofmann

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

  • Birgit Wagner

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical School Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Men show a significantly higher suicide rate, are less often recognized as persons at risk, and are more difficult to reach for suicide prevention interventions. Warning signs and deterioration in mental health are often not recognized by their surroundings. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the behavior and communication of men before a suicide, how relatives noticed changes, and how the interaction was perceived. N = 15 individuals who lost a close male relative to suicide were interviewed using psychological autopsy interviews. The interviews were evaluated following a deductive–inductive approach while using a comprehensive category system. The majority of men showed changes in behavior before the suicide, especially social withdrawal, irritability, and generally a deterioration in mental health. In fact, men did communicate their suicidal thoughts before they died through suicide, but mainly indirectly. While only one-third of the deceased made preparations before suicide, the majority of relatives noticed a deterioration in the mental health of the individual as well as increased alcohol and substance use. Men show signs of suicide, which are little recognized by their surroundings. Suicide prevention interventions should be adapted more to the needs of men.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Hofmann & Birgit Wagner, 2023. "Men’s Behavior and Communication in the Days Prior to a Suicide—A Psychological Autopsy Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6668-:d:1227417
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zac E Seidler & Simon M Rice & David Kealy & John L Oliffe & John S Ogrodniczuk, 2020. "What gets in the way? Men’s perspectives of barriers to mental health services," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(2), pages 105-110, March.
    2. Isabella Berardelli & Elena Rogante & Salvatore Sarubbi & Denise Erbuto & Mariarosaria Cifrodelli & Cristina Concolato & Massimo Pasquini & David Lester & Marco Innamorati & Maurizio Pompili, 2022. "Is Lethality Different between Males and Females? Clinical and Gender Differences in Inpatient Suicide Attempters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-8, October.
    3. Denise Erbuto & Isabella Berardelli & Salvatore Sarubbi & Elena Rogante & Alice Sparagna & Gaia Nigrelli & David Lester & Marco Innamorati & Maurizio Pompili, 2021. "Suicide-Related Knowledge and Attitudes among a Sample of Mental Health Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-10, August.
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