Firearm Suicides Among Males in Australia: An Analysis of Tasmanian Coroners' Inquest Files

Abstract

Eighty-nine male completed suicides who used hanging were compared with 388 male completed suicides who used firearms for 45 variables concerning the circumstances of the suicidal act and the personal characteristics of the men. All came from the Australian state of Tasmania during a twenty-year period from 1968-1987. It was found that those choosing firearms less often had a history of suicidal behavior and psychiatric problems, more often were reacting to interpersonal conflict and more often left a suicide note. Thus, the motives and psychodynamics of a potential suicidal act may provide clues to the choice of method for suicide.