The epidemiology of a neglected form of suicidal behavior, Russian roulette, is addressed. Also tested is an explanation of racial differences based on the opportunity theory of deviant behavior related to the availability of revolvers, necessary weapons with which to play Russian roulette. Data refer to 15 cases of Russian roulette found through…

Explores the influence of marriage and family factors, including religiosity, on suicide beliefs or ideology using a national sample of 1,197 African Americans. Being married lowers prosuicide ideology, but institutional ties to religion are considerably more important than marital ties. The model is replicated for whites. (JPS)

Analysis of nationwide data on 2,099 African American suicides and 1,729 African American natural deaths indicates that being divorced or widowed significantly raises the odds of death by suicide, but being single does not. A parallel analysis for whites finds greater support for a link between marital status and suicide. (RJM)