doi: 10.1080/13811119908258334pmid: N/A
Abstract This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for this issue.
Chotai, Jayanti; Renberg, Ellinor Salander; Jacobsson, Lars
doi: 10.1080/13811119908258335pmid: N/A
Abstract A recent study reported season of birth variation in CSF levels of 5-HIAA and HVA, with low 5-m for February to April and high HVA for October to January (Chotai & Asberg, 1999). We therefore analysed data on all completed suicides during 1952–1993 in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden (1466 cases), regarding these birth seasons in relation to suicide method and sociodemographic variables. Those with suicide age under 45 years were more likely than older suicides to have been born during February to April, significantly so compared to October to January. This was more pronounced for the later birth-year cohort (born in 1931 or later). Those who preferred hanging rather than poisoning or petrol gases were significantly more likely born during February to April. Those who preferred poisoning rather than hanging were significantly more likely born during October to January, particularly for the later birth-year cohort. The results regarding suicide method were somewhat more pronounced for males. The results of the study are compatible with a hypothesis of season of birth variation in CSF monoamine metabolites.
doi: 10.1080/13811119908258336pmid: N/A
Abstract Using crude suicide rates, Lester (1994) reports that occupational segregation and gender egalitarianism are not significantly related to the sex differential in suicide rates, male suicide rates, and female suicide rates in 24 countries. Using a gender-age standardized version of Lester's data, occupational segregation is significantly related to all four dependent variables, and gender egalitarianism is significantly related to two of the four dependent variables.
doi: 10.1080/13811119908258337pmid: N/A
Abstract Suicide is a multidimensional event. To understand this complexity, psychological theory is needed, which is often lacking in current research. This archival study, utilizing 60 suicide notes from across the adult life span, examines models of suicide. An attempt to replicate a previous model (1989) failed to account best for the current data and an alternative theoretical model is provided. Yet, this result should be expected, not only because psychological theory has to be open-ended to define an event, but also because empirical methods for theory construction (such as cluster analysis in this study) are not simply result seeking but are result imposing. Nevertheless, the present study strongly supported an adult life span perspective. ‘Young adults continue to show the greatest amount of differences in their suicide; for examples, higher levels of psychopathology, lower levers of ego strength and a poorer ability to cope with life's demands, e.g., intimacy vs. isolation.
Hjelmeland, Heidi; Knizek, Birthe Loa
doi: 10.1080/13811119908258338pmid: N/A
Abstract The confusing and inconsistent employment of the terms intentions and motives in the literature of suicidology is exemplified and discussed. It is concluded that when nonfatal suicidal acts are explained in terms of something the patients wanted to achieve by the act (which mainly is the case), whether it was to die or something else, the appropriate term will be intention(s), not motive(s).
Cantor, Christopher H.; Sheehan, Peter; Alpers, Philip; Mullen, Paul
doi: 10.1080/13811119908258339pmid: N/A
Abstract A series of seven mass-homicides occurring in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom 1987-1996 is presented in the context of possible media influences. These crimes are exceptionally rare facilitating study based on similarity, time linkage and statements by the assailants. Time linkage suggests three incidents might have occurred through a modelling process. Statements link two incidents-one not being linked by time. It is argued that modelling may have occurred over a period as long as ten years. A ripple effect with these incidents generating other serious violence may also have occurred. Researchers of media influences on suicide and homicide need to take into account the constraints on findings, in relation to time frames and ripple effects, imposed by macro research designs. The micro perspective afforded by the study of very rare massive publicity linked events may generate new insights. These findings raise ethical dilemmas for the media.
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