Gender Differences in Strains Associated with Suicidal Behavior Among Adolescents

Scholars such as Durkheim and Chodorow have argued that the social strains contributing to suicide vary by sex. Specifically, it has been asserted that women relative to men either do not respond to social strain with suicide, or respond to relational but not status strains. Conversely, others assert that process differences never existed, or at the least have dissipated with increasing equality between the subgroups. Neither side has offered convincing empirical evidence for their position. This study examines social strains contributing to suicidal behavior among adolescents, by sex, to address this debate. Results clearly support the presence of process differences and delineate the specific nature of these differences. Generally, males and females are responsive to both status and relational strains. However, theoretical models suggesting males are more status oriented whereas females are more relationally dependent are supported. Results hold theoretical and interventionist implications for the contextual nature of suicide among adolescents.