Relationship Difficulties and Unemployment in Attempted Suicide in an Australian Regional Center

Abstract

Over a 12-mo. period, all patients (N = 130) presenting to an Australian regional hospital following attempted suicide were interviewed to investigate the self-reported role of unemployment and relationship difficulties in precipitating suicide attempts. Consistent with a study of the same region in 1970–1971, attempted suicide was more prevalent in women, the lower socioeconomic groups, and usually occurred following the threat of or actual separation from a partner. However, in this study attempted suicide was most prevalent for those living in a family situation rather than alone or during separation. Although many patients had made a recent visit to their general practitioner, most acted spontaneously and perceived themselves as having no one with whom they could discuss their feelings or problems.