Pathways to despair : a study of male suicide (aged 25-44)

Objectives This study sought to explore the real experiences in men’s lives that led them to attempt suicide. Its focus is on men, as it is men who are more likely to take their own lives. Method It was a qualitative study of two groups, involving one-to-one interviews with those who had attempted suicide and focus group discussions with those who had been close to someone who had taken their own lives. ResultsThe study showed that there was not one single factor that led to suicide but rather an interplay of difficult life experiences. Conclusion Understanding suicide and self-harm in the broader context of men’s lives is essential in order to create strategies for promoting a public health approach to suicide prevention.