Marital Breakdown, Parenthood, and Suicide⋆

Abstract

Few suicide studies have examined the separation phase of marital breakdown or the influence of parenthood as predictors of suicide. This study tested the hypothesis that the acute disruption of attachments by separation might be associated with a different suicide rate compared with the longer phase of divorce. Further, we were interested in whether there might be gender differences. A complex methodology was used to circumvent obstacles to this investigation. Subjects were 1375 people who suicided in Queensland between 1990 and 1992 inclusive. Marital status was determined from the Suicide Research and Prevention Program’s suicide register and the Register-General’s records. Rates of suicide were calculated using population data for each marital group. Results showed that separated (compared with married) males were six times more likely to suicide, and this was greater in younger age groups. Separated female suicide rates were not significantly elevated but in the divorce phase both male and female rates were similarly elevated. Marriage was protective for both sexes, especially within the age range of 30 to 54 years. Females with more children had lower suicide rates. Married females who suicided did so later than married males. Males may be particularly vulnerable to suicide associated with interpersonal conflict in the separation phase. It is possible that females may be protected against suicide by child rearing responsibilities but that this protection declines as their children become independent. Further research is needed in this area.

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