The so-called "suicidalfit"among Puerto Ricans in New York City was reported by Trautman (1961a, 1961b) over two decades ago. Based on a sample of 93 Puerto Ricans who, under severe emotional stress, attempted suicide in almost identical circumstances, his writings provide an early view of suicidal behavior among Puerto Ricans in the South Bronx during the late-1950s. In the intervening time, very little has appeared further documenting and elucidating suicidal behavior among Puerto Ricans, and other Hispanics, in the mainland United States. The paucity of available knowledge for clinicians and researchers about the nature of suicide among contemporary New York Puerto Ricans poses seriousproblemsfor mental health programs and practice. This article reviews Trautman's research, commenting on methodology and interpretations of findings, and discusses implications for mental health research with mainland Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic groups.
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