Suicide and the continental divide

Abstract

Cross-cultural research is one avenue for investigating suicide. with Canada and the United States being obvious units for comparison. Studies of rates and patterns. homicide and suicide, facts and myths, psychological aspects. psychopathology, attitudes towards suicide and domestic and economic variables are reported. It is concluded that Canada has a higher rate and different pattern of suicide than the United States. Although there may be numerous similarities (e.g., psychological aspects. psychopathology), differences were noted in the relation between homicide and suicide, the attitudes toward suicide (e.g., Canadian young people, Canada's highest at risk group, see suicide as more normal and as an acceptable solution to issues than their American counterparts), and domestic stress, i.e., marriage. A historical explanation is provided as an avenue to understand these cultural differences in suicide.