A Comparative Study on Guilt, Shame-Proneness, Impulsivity and Suicide Lethality between Men and Women who had Attempted Suicide

Abstract

Suicide, the deliberate act of ending one’s life, contrasts with suicide attempts, where individuals survive the ordeal. Termed as “failed” or “nonfatal,” these attempts are debated terminologically. Self-harm, a pressing public health concern, closely relates to suicide risk, inflicting profound psychological distress. Theoretical frameworks posit that distressing emotional states, particularly shame and guilt, drive self-harm. Notably, these emotions act as both instigators and outcomes in suicide attempts, warranting exploration. Empirical evidence consistently reveals attempted suicides outnumber completed ones, emphasizing the need for understanding contributing factors. Gender disparities are evident, with women exhibiting higher rates of nonfatal self-injury, suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. This study employed an ex post facto design, drawing a purposive sample (N = 89) from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, aged 20-55. Tools included the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Data analysis employed statistical tests and correlations, scrutinizing hypotheses. This comprehensive approach illuminates the intricate interplay of suicide attempts, guilt, shame, impulsivity, and gender.