An analysis of self-reported suicide attempts and ideation in a national sample of incarcerated individuals convicted of sexual crimes

ABSTRACT

Suicide is the leading cause of preventable death in US jails and prisons, with rates three to nine times higher than those of the general population. Although suicide in correctional settings has been recognised as a serious problem, the research on suicide among incarcerated individuals remains limited. Individuals who have committed sexual offenses may be at an elevated risk for suicide. Specifically, they have been found to report high rates of hopelessness and depressive mood, and approximately 14% of individuals convicted of sexual offenses have reported a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Most of these data are based upon official reports and may represent an underreporting of the true prevalence of the problem. The current study provides an analysis of the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviours in a large national sample of individuals convicted of a sexually based crime. Overall, 17.9% of the offenders reported an attempted suicide in their lifetime, 15.1% reported experiencing suicidal ideation but never made an attempt. Risk factors for suicide attempts and ideation for this population are reported. The findings are discussed in the context of suicide prevention and intervention efforts among those who have committed sex offenses.     

Youth suicide in New Mexico: a 26-year retrospective review

Although suicidal behavior in children and adolescents is a major public health problem, large-scale research on suicide in this population is uncommon. In this study, we reviewed autopsy and field reports for all pediatric suicide cases referred to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator from 1979 to 2005. The age-adjusted suicide rate was 4.8 per 100,000. Psychologic stressors and parasuicidal behavior were identified in some cases. Seventy-six percent of suicides occurred in the victim's home or yard, and 25% left a suicide note. In 26% of cases, alcohol or other drugs were detected in postmortem. Gunshot wound was the most common method overall (58%), followed by hanging (30%). Although the age-adjusted suicide rate is higher in New Mexico than nationally, the trends in the population are similar. With a solid understanding of the circumstances, it may be possible to predict, and hopefully prevent, future cases of child and adolescent death.     

Study of an economic issue as a possible indicator of suicide risk: a discussion of stock prices and suicide

There were more than 30,000 suicides in 1998 in Japan, and since then, the numbers have remained high. In 2009, the number of suicides per a day was c. 90. This phenomenon constitutes a major social problem. One of the major reasons for the rapid increase in the number of suicides appears to be the worsening economic problems. It is therefore necessary to research the relationship between economic issues and suicide. In this study, we examined the relationship between the value of the Nikkei Stock Average and suicide rates in Japan. The value of the Nikkei Stock Average may be related to suicide among men. On the basis of the results, relevant researchers and organizations should understand the factors that relate to suicide to better carry out specific suicide prevention measures.     

Death certification of "suicide by cop"

Death certification of "suicide by cop" is controversial among some medical examiners and coroners. We present five such deaths that were certified as suicides and discuss the medico-legal issues involved with these certifications. To certify such a death as a suicide, certain criteria should be met. Suicide by cop is a circumstance that involves competing intentional acts that may result in dichotomous determinations of the manner of death. Despite the absence of direct self-infliction, there is overwhelming evidence that these five individuals intended to end their own lives. Their use of an unusual method to accomplish this goal may inappropriately result in a reflexive certification of homicide. All of the decedents possessed weapons or a facsimile of a weapon. We present five instances of suicide by cop and contend that these types of deaths are best certified as suicides.     

Schizophrenia and suicide: a 10-year review of Kentucky medical examiner cases

The risk of suicide is significantly increased in schizophrenics; it is estimated that 10-13% of individuals suffering from schizophrenia commit suicide. Schizophrenia is marked by psychotic exacerbations and remissions, with persistent deterioration in baseline functioning with each relapse. We present a 10-year (1993-2002) retrospective review of Medical Examiners' cases of suicide of schizophrenic victims. Twenty-nine cases were between the ages of 20 and 75 (mean age of 41.6 years). The majority of victims were male (62.1%) and Caucasian (86.2%). The leading method of suicide for both males and females was firearm injury (48.3%) mostly of the head, followed by overdose (20.7%), and hanging (13.8%). A comprehensive investigation of the biopsychosocial factors is warranted in cases of schizophrenics who commit suicide. This study offers an insightful analysis pertaining to the determination of intent in formulating the manner of death in this unique population.     

Suicidality in male prisoners: influence of childhood adversity mediated by dimensions of personality

This study aims to study the influence of childhood adversity on suicidal behavior in male prisoners. Including a random sample of 899 male prisoners (French National Mental Health Prison Survey, 2003), this paper studied suicidal ideations and suicide attempts using MINI criteria, and personality using Temperament and Character Inventory. Risk factors of suicidality were examined, and structural equations studied the influence of childhood trauma on suicidality, mediated by personality dimensions. The prisoners reported high levels of childhood adversity. More than a third reported recent suicidal ideations. Childhood adversity and dimensions of personality were associated with suicidality. Structural equations showed that childhood adversity was positively associated with suicidality, mediated by poor dimensions of character (affective stability, self-cooperativeness, and self-transcendence). In conclusion, these results confirm the importance of screening and treatment of childhood trauma among male prisoners. They suggest the importance to study dimensions of personality and tailor treatment to specific needs.     

Global functioning and suicide among Chinese rural population aged 15-34 years: a psychological autopsy case-control study

As the relationship between global functioning and young suicide remains unclear in rural China, this study was aimed to explore the relationship between them. Data of 391 rural suicides and 416 controls, all aged 15-34 years in three provinces in China were used for this study. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale was adopted to assess global functioning of suicides and controls. The results showed that GAF score was stronger than mental illness in predicting suicide in China. Different correlates of GAF score were found between suicides and controls. Unsurprisingly, GAF score was significantly correlated with mental illness in both suicides and controls. Different characteristics were also found among three types of suicide which were classified using GAF score. Assessing global functioning is useful and GAF scale should be regularly used in suicide prevention practice.     

Adolescent and young adult suicide: a 10-year retrospective review of Kentucky Medical Examiner cases

The compilation of all suicidal causes of death attained the third highest ranking of mortality between the ages of 15 and 24 following unintentional deaths and homicide in the United States, accounting for approximately 4000 deaths in 2002. A variety of biopsychosocial factors may contribute to adolescent suicidal behavior, including psychiatric disorders, risk-taking behaviors, and lack of a cohesive family unit. The authors conducted a 10-year (1993-2002) retrospective review of 108 Medical Examiner cases of suicide ages 11-17 and 358 cases ages 18-24 in Kentucky, which represents two thirds of the Coroner cases in the state. The majority of victims were male and Caucasian. The major causes of death were the same for the two age groups, specifically, firearm injury (72.2% and 70.7%), hanging (22.2% and 18.7%), and drug intoxication (2.8% and 5.3%). An integrated Coroner-Medical Examiner system profits in the public health arena by providing collaborative research data for policy decisions. The prevalence of youth suicide by firearm should prompt further discussion regarding ways to better identify high-risk adolescents and young adults and restrict pediatric access to unsecured household firearms.     

自杀方式与性别和年龄关系548例分析

目的分析国内5个城市地区采取不同自杀方式人群的性别和年龄特征。方法收集上海、金华、武汉、娄底、都匀城市地区警方处理的548例自杀案例,根据自杀方法将案件进行分类,研究各种自杀方法的人群年龄和性别特征,结果在各种自杀方式的年龄分析中,高坠和自缢的自杀者平均年龄最大(约55岁),溺水、自缢次之(约49岁)、口服毒物较为年轻(约45岁),而CO中毒自杀者平均年龄最小(约37岁)。在自杀方式的性别差异中,男性更多地出现了锐器自杀(52:24),自缢(67:33)和高坠(55:45),女性则在溺水自杀中占据多数(58:42)。结论每种自杀方式涉及到的人群的性别和年龄特征差异明显,CO中毒自杀的自杀者最为年轻;男性更倾向于用机械性损伤的方式来自杀。     

重新界定《中华人民共和国海商法》的调整对象——以主体-关系规范模式为视角

《中华人民共和国海商法》（简称《海商法》）调整对象的准确界定是该法修改成功的基础之一。《海商法》第1条关于＂调整海上运输关系、船舶关系＂的规定,被认为是《海商法》调整对象的规范表述,但该表述存在概念指称不清、外延过于宽泛或不确定、主体缺失与规定错位及调整对象与调整目标之间缺乏合理的对应关系等问题。关于《海商法》调整对象的学理解释观点纷呈,但均过于表面化,未能反思立法不当问题。通过对《海商法》调整对象界定依据的分析,指出应当依据实践诉求、空间要素、主体法律地位及体系性诉求,将《海商法》调整对象界定为平等主体间的法律地位及因船舶运输、船舶停泊、船舶归属与利用而产生的社会关系及与之有关的社会关系。     

男、女戒毒劳教人员精神卫生状况的对照研究

目的采用目前较为成熟的人格、心理测量量表,研究戒毒劳教人员的人格特征、心理卫生状况。方法对16～61岁的508名戒毒劳教人员(其中男性258人,女性250人)进行MMPI、SCL-90的测试。结果MMPI测试显示男性戒毒劳教人员Hs、Pd、Pa、Pt、Sc、Ma均高于临界值,以Hs和Pa为最高;女性Hs、Pd、Pt、Sc均高于临界值,以Hs和Pd为最高。SCL-90测试显示戒毒劳教人员在各因子分上均高于中国常模,女性甚于男性。结论戒毒劳教人员普遍存在个性特征异常和心理卫生问题,男性者个性特征异常更为突出,女性者心理卫生状况尤其值得关注。     

DNA profile evidence in complex disputed paternity cases: The analysis of 300 real cases

In disputed paternity cases where the putative father is unavailable DNA from one or more of his relatives could be used. However, interpreting results is often difficult, because of the partial information regarding the parental genotype obtained from his relatives. We analyzed results obtained in 300 real paternity cases performed through close relatives of the real father (sib, half-sibs, one grandparent and/or uncle). DNA was typed with PowerPlex (Promega) and the LR estimated with the Software BDGen. As expected the higher LR values were achieved with sibs and half-sibs (in such cases where his/her mother was available for testing). The LR values were tight related to the number of uninformative loci, which varied between 0 and 13. In 10% of the reviewed cases, 10 or more non-informative loci were observed; all of them associated LR values below 0.01. Thus, providing evidence in favor of no relatedness.     

Methods of Choice in Completed Suicides: Gender Differences and Review of Literature

Abstract:  Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4-year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2003 was conducted to identify the favored methods in realized suicides among males and females in the west coastal region of India. During the study period, a total of 539 cases of suicidal deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male: female—1.9:1). The age of the victims ranged from 13 to 90 years in males (mean = 40.1 years, median = 37.0 years) and 15 to 85 years in females (mean = 36.6 years, median = 32.0 years). Most favored method of suicide amongst males and females was hanging (36.9%, n  = 199) followed by poisoning (34.7%, n  = 187). Male dominance was apparent for each method of suicide except for self-immolation. Males were relatively more likely to use hanging and poisoning while females were more likely to prefer drowning and self-immolation as methods of suicide. Relatively younger females (mean   = 33.0 years, median = 32.0 years) preferred hanging as a method of suicide when compared to males (mean = 42.4 years, median = 40.0 years). Among females, significantly younger females resorted to hanging when compared to older females who preferred drowning. On investigating the various theories proposed for choice of suicide methods in males and females in different regions we conclude that preference of method of suicide in men and women is complexly determined. In this region, availability, accessibility, popularity, and socioacceptability seem to be the major determinants in the choice of methods among males and females rather than violence associated and lethality of the method. Females were as likely to use lethal and violent methods as males in this region.     

Suicide Among Children and Adolescents in a Province of Turkey

Abstract:  Despite well-documented increases in completed suicides among children, accurate knowledge of the characteristics of these suicides is very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate general characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in the province of Istanbul and to evaluate obtained results in the light of the literature. Data were collected from autopsy records of the Morgue Department of Institute of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul. General characteristics of completed suicides among children and adolescents between 2001 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 176 suicides aged 9–19 years. The overwhelming majority of the suicides (92%) were aged 15–19 years. More than half of the suicides (60%) were male. The most frequent means of suicide was hanging (55%) followed by firearms (20%) and jump or descent from height (15%).     

民法典高空抛物致害责任规则的体系性解读:局限与克服

高空抛物致害责任自入法之日起即饱受批评,又因司法适用中存在一定漏洞而引发质疑。将高空抛物致害责任置于不确定加害人责任框架下进行体系性解读,有利于重新认识和评估立法上设定这一责任规则的正当性和局限性。不确定加害人责任既不符合固有侵权责任构成理论的预期,也未遵循传统诉讼理论在证明责任上的一贯立场,为了缓和其内在局限和避免发生泛用,须就不确定被告的范围、责任形式及举证负担等适用条件作出限制。立法上设定高空抛物致害责任规则时亦应注意其局限克服。我国民法典第1254条通过修正和完善其适用条件,深化了侵权责任法第87条确立的限制观念,具有明显的进步性。然而,民法典作为一部基本法,其规定难以包罗万象,高空抛物致害责任规则的适用漏洞仍需要通过司法解释、基于法官的个案经验进行填补。     

国学考据学的证据法研究及展望——从一重证据法到四重证据法

本文论述人类学对传统的国学方法之开拓与更新:文学人类学和历史人类学作为现代以来的人文研究新范式。在方法论上与国学考据学相对接,经历了从 20 世纪初期的二重证据说,到 90 年代的三重证据说,人类学视野与方法的介入给国学带来的格局变化;再到 21 世纪初的四重证据说,描述跨学科潮流影响之下的文化整合认知范式出现及其意义,侧重在古史研究方面,梳理出从信古、疑古、释古到立体释古的四阶段发展演变轨迹。对立体释古范式的现阶段应用实践及其前景,结合人类学中新兴的物质文化研究和新史学发展潮流,作出学术评估与展望。     

国学考据学的证据法研究及展望——从一重证据法到四重证据法

本文论述人类学对传统的国学方法之开拓与更新：文学人类学和历史人类学作为现代以来的人文研究新范式。在方法论上与国学考据学相对接,经历了从20世纪初期的二重证据说,到90年代的三重证据说,人类学视野与方法的介入给国学带来的格局变化;再到21世纪初的四重证据说．描述跨学科潮流影响之下的文化整合认知范式出现及其意义,侧重在古史研究方面,梳理出从信古、疑古、释古到立体释古的四阶段发展演变轨迹。对立体释古范式的现阶段应用实践及其前景,结合人类学中新兴的物质文化研究和新史学发展潮流,作出学术评估与展望。     

行政诉讼受案范围否定性列举之反思

《行政诉讼法》相关司法解释在《行政诉讼法》规定的基础上,又列举出八项不属于受案范围的行政机关的行为。但是这八项行为实际上分别属于三类不同的诉讼制度范畴,在司法实践中并未充分发挥其作为起诉条件对案件的筛选、过滤作用,还传递出了司法保守主义的信号。为此,应当再造行政诉讼理念与空间,确立可审查假定原则以消减否定性列举的生存空间,设置实体判决要件以实现受案范围的制度归位,构建复合型审查程序以优化审判流程,从而使受案范围回归其本来面目。     

船舶保险条款中的恐怖活动风险

本文扼要介绍“9.11恐怖袭击事件”后船舶保赔保险战争险除外条款及特别保赔保险战争险(SPECIAL P＆I WAR RISKS COVER)的变化,阐明了船舶所有人在市场上安排保赔保险战争险的必要性。