Discusses five components of a basic suicide syndrome. Examines gender differences in suicidal behavior through an analysis of male and female roles. Components include failure, commitment, rigidity, shame, and isolation. Considers the concept of autonomy in relation to sex differences in suicidal behavior. (RC)

A survey of 222 grade school children indicates that sex differences in emotional response to failure might further explain the fact that boys have learning difficulties more often than girls, and that girls' relatively more advanced cognitive development is thought to partially account for the situation. (Author/MC)