Mark S. Davis

Gender differences in suicide methods

IntroductionGender differences in suicide completion rates have been attributed to the differences in lethality of suicide methods chosen by men and women, but few empirical studies have investigated factors other than demographic characteristics that might explain this differential.MethodsData from the 621 suicides in Summit County, Ohio during 1997–2006 were disaggregated by gender to compare known correlates of suicide risk on three methods of suicide—firearm, hanging and drug poisoning.ResultsCompared to women, men who completed suicide with firearms were more likely to be married and committed the act at home. Unmarried men were likelier to hang themselves than married men, but unmarried women were less likely to hang themselves than married women. Men with a history of depression were more likely to suicide by hanging, but women with depression were half as likely to hang themselves compared to the women without a history of depression. Men with a history of substance abuse were more likely to suicide by poisoning than men without such history, but substance abuse history had no influence on women’s use of poisoning to suicide. For both sexes, the odds of suicide by poisoning were significantly higher for those on psychiatric medications.

A Comparison of Suicide Note Writers with Suicides Who Did Not Leave Notes

There is disagreement in the suicide literature on the value of suicide notes as a data source, particularly regarding the extent to which suicide decedents who write notes differ from those who do not. Using 10 years of suicide cases from Summit County, Ohio, these two groups were compared on 40 variables including sociodemographic characteristics, reported affect before death, precipitating events, physical and mental health status and care, and method of suicide. The only differences found were that note writers were more likely to have lived alone and had made prior suicide threats. These findings suggest that for research purposes, suicide cases with and without notes are essentially similar.

A New Measure of Interpersonal Exploitativeness

Measures of exploitativeness evidence problems with validity and reliability. The present set of studies assessed a new measure [the Interpersonal Exploitativeness Scale (IES)] that defines exploitativeness in terms of reciprocity. In Studies 1 and 2, 33 items were administered to participants. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that a single factor consisting of six items adequately assess interpersonal exploitativeness. Study 3 results revealed that the IES was positively associated with “normal” narcissism, pathological narcissism, psychological entitlement, and negative reciprocity and negatively correlated with positive reciprocity. In Study 4, participants competed in a commons dilemma. Those who scored higher on the IES were more likely to harvest a greater share of resources over time, even while controlling for other relevant variables, such as entitlement. Together, these studies show the IES to be a valid and reliable measure of interpersonal exploitativeness. The authors discuss the implications of these studies.

Responsible Conduct of Research Measure: Initial Development and Pilot Study

Although much discussion has been focused on research misconduct (RM) and questionable research practices, to date no self-report measures exist to examine this phenomenon. To help fill this void, the authors developed the Responsible Conduct of Research Measure (RCRM) through multiple pilot study waves involving researchers in the social and behavioral sciences. Preliminary results reveal adequate validity and reliability. The authors discuss limitations of the study as well as some possible directions for future research on this topic.

An Inquiry into Relationship Suicides and Reciprocity

Few theories on suicide have been grounded in the norm of reciprocity. There is literature on suicide, however, describing motivations such as retaliation and retreat which can be interpreted as modes of adaptation to the norm of reciprocity. We propose a reciprocity-based theory to explain suicides associated with relationship problems. Employing a content analysis of suicide notes, we tested the theory, finding evidence of exploitation, exploiter guilt, retaliation, and retreat as motives for committing relationship-based suicide. Reciprocity-based note writers were more likely to have used alcohol or drugs in the hours prior to committing suicide, and they were also more likely to have made their intentions known beforehand. Implications for future research as well as for suicide prevention are discussed.

Real Examples of Translation

While the concept of translation is relatively new, there have been attempts in the past to convert basic criminological knowledge into policy and practice. One of these efforts began in the 1970s when correctional research findings were interpreted as “nothing works.” This prompted the federal and many state governments to restructure their sentencing laws, and it spawned a number of important academic works offering fresh rationales for penal policies. Another example from history is efforts by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to improve juvenile justice decision-making through the translation of research on minorities and girls in the system. More recently, concerns over mass incarceration and recidivism have brought about efforts to improve the reentry of offenders back into the community. These actual examples show the challenges and opportunities of translation.

An Overview of State-Level Criminal Justice

To explore how the state might facilitate translational research requires an understanding of the structure and relationships of state agencies and organizations. This chapter discusses those agencies under the control of the governor including state criminal justice planning agencies, state police and patrol, and corrections. State legislatures, as bodies that enact criminal statutes, also hold great potential in furthering the aims of translational criminology. While not a part of state government, third-sector entities such as statewide criminal justice associations can also play a significant role in promoting the translation of research into evidence-based practice. The point is that state agencies and organizations are in a unique position to advance the goals of translational criminology.

Impediments To Translation in the States

The structure and function of both state agencies and academic criminology and criminal justice influence the degree to which translation can occur. For example, academics are rewarded not for reaching out to criminal justice functionaries, but for publishing scholarly articles and getting research grants. State agencies, on the other hand, operate under different role constraints, some of which may inhibit staff from translating basic research into implications for policy and practice. The structure of both state agencies and academic criminology are firmly entrenched, and thus stand as impediments to meaningful translation. This suggests that certain actors must find creative ways to overcome these obstacles.

Hypothetical Examples of Translation

Just as real examples can improve understanding of how research can be translated into policy and practice, so too can hypothetical examples illustrate the potential benefits of translation. One example is the extent to which head injuries, which research has connected to anger, aggression, and violence, can be prevented in children with simple devices such as bicycle helmets and stair gates. The second example focuses on reducing maladaptive narcissistic traits through a project that treats adults with these traits. The third example addresses the high rate of suicide by those facing legal entanglement by implementing a unique court-based program to identify and refer those at elevated risk.