| Abstract [eng] |
In Lithuania and in many countries of the world, men commit more suicides than women, therefore difference in suicide rates between the sexes encourages us to examine the specifics of male suicide, which can be related to masculinity, the formation of which is influenced by relationships with parents. However, there is still a lack of focus on male suicide and how it relates to masculinity. Research tends to focus on examining the prevailing norms of masculinity, defined as hegemonic or traditional masculinity, without responding to the broader concept of masculinity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the links between suicidality, masculinity, and perceived relationships with parents in childhood. The study included 567 men ranging in age from 18 to 92 years (M = 42.40, SD = 16.85). The sample of the study consists of men from Lithuanian cities, towns and villages. Instruments used in the study: Hoffman Gender Scale (HGS) (Hoffman et al., 2000), The Suicide Behaviors Questionaire-Revised (SBQ-R) (Osman et al. 2001) and Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) (Parker et al., 1979). The results revealed that remembering one’s father as caring and mother as encouraging autonomy is associated with greater gender self-confidence. A higher risk of suicide is associated with lower rates of gender self-definition and gender self-acceptance, as well with restrictions on the autonomy and lack of care of both parents. In addition, the risk of suicide is predicted by a perceived lack of paternal care and lower gender self-acceptance. The results show the importance of gender self-confidence and paternal care and encourage to develop preventive measures for men taking into account these aspects. |
