Examined annual official national statistics for specific methods of suicide by sex and racial group from 1923 to 1978. Shifts were found in suicide methods employed, most notably for women and Asian Americans. Generally, firearm use increased among nearly all ethnic/racial-sex groups while the use of poisons declined. (JAC)

Suicide rates vary greatly by sex and race, but the methods employed by these groups have not been studied closely and across time. Annual official national statistics for specific methods of suicide by sex and specific racial group were examined from 1923 to 1978. During this time period, shifts occurred in the proportions of suicides by method,…

College women (n=403) attending the University of Kansas (Lawrence) commented on situations of refusal of desire for sexual relations when they actually did want them (scripted refusal). Consistent with theories of proximal determinants of gender-related behavior, scripted refusal provides a way of dealing with the sexual double standard. (SLD)