Study Guide ? Gender and Sexuality

Study Guide ? Gender and Sexuality Statistics White males commit 73% of all suicides. Black females have the lowest rate = less than 1% of all suicides. Black males less than 6% of all suicides. Health and Mortality Men have more health problems than women. Women have a longer life expectancy. Gender Differences in Suicidal Behavior Completions Men more than women Attempts Women more than men Boys younger than 15 attempt more than women Male to female ratio is 4.4:1 Cross Cultural Differences China - women commit suicide much more than men Chinese Americans - women over 45 commit much more suicide than CA men over 45 East Harlem - white males and females are equal Native American - boy:girls is 7:1 Highest rates among an age group of African Americans for both men and women is 25-34. What are some reasons for the low suicide rate in African Americans? Being in prison is a protective factor More likely to rely on church and faith for support Might be that fewer black people have mental illnesses since it's true that fewer of them seek help. Methods of suicide For men Firearms Hanging Carbon monoxide Drugs For women Guns Drugs Hanging Carbon monoxide Biological difference between men and women that might be related to suicide Learning and what you're taught at a young age Hormones Testosterone in males Hormone fluctuation in females Other differences The way men and women are brought up to be. Perhaps men being taught to be macho, not to cry, strong, solve your own problems, etc, contributes to their suicide as compared to women. Homosexuality Used to be in the DSM as a mental illness. Less than 4% of population are gay. No definitive studies on relationship between being gay and suicide. Suicides in homosexuals more related to mental illness and not just being gay. AIDS and HIV When the diagnosis first came out there was a big increase in suicide. Now it's not a death sentence and it can be treated. Sex and Suicide Similarities? Both have a strong drive Both decrease tension Passionately enacted Relationships are affected Defend against loneliness and loss of love Autoerotic Asphyxia Mostly adolescents and young adults. Mostly males. Childhood Sexual Abuse Creates self-loathing, feeling dirty, body loathing, shame There is a relationship between childhood sexual abuse and psychiatric problems. Dissociation Dissociative Personality Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Depression and helplessness Self-mutilation Is childhood sexual abuse by parents related to: Suicidal ideation? Yes Suicide attempts? Yes Completed suicides Unclear