Do Youth Suicide Rates Differ Significantly between Males and Females - Essay Example

Critically evaluate at least three of the existing explanations of the fact that, world-wide and in Australia, youth suicide rates differ significantly between males and females? Suicide rates have been increased significantly the last years in all countries around the world. In fact a relevant research made in the United States, proved that ‘more than four times as many male youth die by suicide but girls attempt suicide more often and report higher rates of depression; the gender difference in suicide completion is most likely due to the differences in suicide methods; men are more likely to use firearms, which lead to a fatal outcome 78% to 90% of the time’ [1]. In accordance with the above the increase in the suicide rates of males compared to females has been resulted because of the use of different suicide methods by these two categories of population. Moreover, the percentages of the graph presented in Figure 2 prove that males tend to choose suicide more than females while this differentiation is more intensive in the ages between 25 and 39 (where also the highest percentages of suicides are observed). The relevant percentages refer to Australia, however it could be accepted that these figures could be also expected to be retrieved in most countries around the world especially in those where the social and cultural differences among population are more intensive. Figure 1 - Age suicide rates – Australia [2] An interesting finding of the above figure is the fact that the suicide rates of females remain at a standard rate (approximately at 2-6 %) in all ages while the relevant rates of males are decreased in the ages 55 to 69 and present an increase in the years 75 and over. It seems that youth is not a criterion for differentiation in the suicide rates between males and females. Any differentiation in the suicide rates between the two genders remains at a standard level for all ages. In this context, the issue of age does not seem to have an important role in the development of differences between males and females regarding the suicide rates. The only influence of youth in the differentiation of suicide rates between males and females is on the formulation of specific views regarding social and other issues. In other words, females can have different responses to the problems of their environment (family, friends, and school) than males. Figure 2 - Source: Ministry of Health, New Zealand Health Information Service Notes: (1) 2002 and 2003 figures are provisional (2) Age-standardised to Segi’s world population [3] The above views are also supported by the percentages presented in Figure 2. The difference in the suicide rates between males and females is almost stable among the years. There is no particular differentiation between the two genders regarding the suicide rates at least through the years. On the contrary, it could be stated that there could be differences in motives or in the number of suicide attempts between the two genders. Also, there is a difference in the number of suicides committed by males (high percentage) and females (low percentage). These differences are also proved in the empirical research (see also the survey presented in the beginning of the paper, [1]). Another issue that can influence the suicide rates observed among males and females around the world could be the existence of physical disabilities of any kind. Regarding this issue it has been found that ‘although suicide results from many social and cultural factors, mental illness is almost always involved; one in 10 people living with schizophrenia die by suicide; depression and substance abuse are important risk factors’[4]. In accordance with the above the following three factors can have a significant importance in the development of different suicide rates among males and females: a) lack of appropriate communication with the environment (males are more likely to face a problem of communication with their environment than females who tend to express their feelings), b) physical disabilities (also males tend to be more ‘vulnerable’ in this kind of personal problem mostly because by their nature they have the physical superiority over females and when there is no such a case the choice of the suicide seems to be very possible for males), c) sexual abuse (males are less likely to overcome such an event where females have been proved to be more ‘strong’ in such a case, even if the relevant event may takes many years for the female to be handled effectively). Apart from the above factors that can lead to differentiations between males and females specifically with a reference to the youth suicide rates, the following factors have been also found to have an influence on the young males’ and females’ decision to attempt a suicide: a) history of previous suicide attempts, b) family history of suicide, c) history of depression or other mental illness, d) alcohol or drug abuse, e) stressful life event or loss, f) easy access to lethal methods, g) exposure to the suicidal behaviour of others and h) incarceration’ (Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). In accordance with another study referring to the possible causes of suicide among young people it has been proved that ‘the same risk factors (mood disorder, history of psychiatric care, educational disadvantage, stressful circumstances) play a similar role in suicide and serious suicide attempts while suicide and suicide attempts are discriminated by mood disorder and gender differences in methods’ (Beautrais, 2003, 1093) On the other hand, it seems that a strong influence of cultural values is involved in the development of suicide rates within a particular country. In this context and using Australia as an example, we could refer to a survey made in Australia in 1999. In accordance with this survey ‘Australian suicide rates for males 15-24 years and 25-34 years rose from 1964-1997; comparison with suicide rates of other Western nations showed that, while Australian youth suicide rates are relatively high, this is not the case for older age groups’ (Cantor et al., 1999, 137). In accordance with the above findings, age seems to have a significant role in the development of specific behaviour (in this case in deciding to suicide) in Australia; however, this differentiation exists only if the relevant percentages of Australia are compared with those of other countries. As it has been proved above (in graphs presented in Figure 1 and 2) age does not seem to have a significant role in the development of suicide among Australia population. But when these percentages are compared with the relevant ones of Western countries, then such a differentiation occurs (youth suicide percentages in Australia are higher than those of Western countries). Because of the above conditions Cantor et al. (1999, 137) suggested that ‘priorities for suicide prevention in Australia are correctly concentrated on youth, but the targeted age range should be extended to include men aged 25-34 years; a comprehensive policy should also not neglect the needs of other age groups’. However, the above measures should be also combined with the introduction and the application of the appropriate policies in order to lead to the required target (reduce of percentages of suicide in youth around the world). On the other hand, a study published in September 2007 showed that ‘after falling over 28% during the period 1990 - 2003, suicide rates in America for males and females aged 10-24 climbed 8%’ (Medical News Today, 7/9/2007). In other words, despite the measures taken for the protection of youth in USA, the suicide rates for males and females of this age has been increased at a percentage of 8%. Regarding this problem, Dr. Keri Lubell, author of the study, supported that ‘It is important for parents, health care professionals, and educators to recognize the warning signs of suicide in youth; parents and other caring adults should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking ones life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future; also look for changes in eating or sleeping habits and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities’ (CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), (Medical News Today, 7/9/2007). It should also be noticed that the increase in the youth suicide rates internationally, has led to the design and the application of a series of measures in most countries around the world. In accordance with the study of Miller et al. (2002, 217) the most common methods for the limitation of the risk of suicide attempt in youth are the following ones: cognitive behavioral treatments, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological interventions, media communications, postvention programs, parenting programs, and cultural programs for minority groups’. However, even if all the above measures are been taken, the limitation of the suicide rates in youth cannot be ensured. In fact, there can be many factors that may influence males and females in youth leading them to such a decision. The prevention role of the state and the family should be considered as significant; however personal attitudes should be also taken into account when designing the relevant plans of intervention. In any case it should be noticed that suicide percentages have been increased for young males and females around the world. In fact, a research published by the Department of Health and Human Services showed that ‘for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death; it results in approximately 4600 lives lost each year; the top three methods used in suicides of young people include firearm (47%), suffocation (37%), and poisoning (8%)’ (Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). In other words, suicide in youth is not only a problem of Australia. Many countries around the world (including USA) are currently facing this problem while the existed measures and policies applied by governments do not seem to have the required result. References http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/facts/suicide.asp#pop [1] Cantor, C., Neulinger, K., De Leo, D. (1999) Australian suicide trends 1964-1997: youth and beyond? The Medical Journal of Australia, 171: 137-141 Australia – Youth facts and Stats (2007) http://www.youthfacts.com.au/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=264&op=page [2] Medical News Today (2007), available at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/81868.php Ministry of Social Development (2006), available at http://www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/suicide.html [3] Canadian Health Network (2007), available at http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1068221262318&pagename=CHN-RCS%2FCHNResource%2FCHNResourcePageTemplate&c=CHNResource [4] Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007) Youth Suicide, available at http://thecommunityguide.org/ncipc/dvp/Suicide/youthsuicide.htm [5] Miller, K., Barber, G. (2002) Brief Intervention Strategies for the Prevention of Youth Suicide. Brief treatment and crisis intervention, 2: 217-232 Beautrais, A. (2003) Suicide and Serious Suicide Attempts in Youth: A Multiple-Group Comparison Study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160: 1093-1099 Read More