Gender differences in suicide

Gender differences in suicide rates have been shown to be significant; there are highly asymmetric rates of attempted and completed suicides between males and females.

The gap, also called the "gender paradox of suicidal behavior", can vary significantly among different countries. Globally as of 2012^[update], death by suicide occurs about 1.8 times more often among males than among females. In the western world, males die three to four times more often by means of suicide than do females. This difference is even more pronounced in those over the age of 65, with tenfold more males than females dying by suicide. Suicide attempts are between two and four times more frequent among females. Researchers have attributed the difference between attempted and completed suicides among the sexes to males using more lethal means to end their lives. However, separating intentional suicide attempts, from non-suicidal self-harm, is not currently done in the United States, when gathering statistics at the national level. The extent of suicidal thoughts is not clear, but research suggests that suicidal thoughts are more common among females than among males.

The role that gender plays as a risk factor for suicide has been studied extensively. While females show higher rates of non-fatal suicidal behavior and suicide ideation (thoughts), and reportedly attempt suicide more frequently than males do, males have a much higher rate of completed suicides. However, a 2008 study of suicide attempts by gender indicated that females have a higher rate of attempted suicide than males earlier in life, but that this rate decreases with age, and a 2009 study indicated little to no difference in suicidal ideation between men and women. For males, the rate of attempted suicide remains fairly constant when controlled for age. Males and females also tend to differ in their methods of suicide and responses to suicidal feelings.

Many researchers have attempted to find explanations for why gender is such a significant indicator for suicide. In 1981, suicide of men was 1.9 times higher than in women in the UK. In 2012, the male suicide rate increased to over three times higher than the female suicide rate. A common explanation relies on the social constructions of hegemonic masculinity and femininity. According to literature on gender and suicide, male suicide rates are explained in terms of traditional gender roles. Male gender roles tend to emphasize greater levels of strength, independence, and risk-taking behavior. Reinforcement of this gender role often prevents males from seeking help for suicidal feelings and depression.

...
Wikipedia