Perceived Burdensomeness and Lethality of Suicide Method among Suicide Completers in the People's Republic of China

A subjective sense of burdensomeness toward loved ones has been posited as a marker for high risk of suicide. The present study applied the burdensomeness model of suicide to a sample of suicide notes from the People's Republic of China. High levels of burdensomeness toward loved ones was significantly and negatively correlated with lethality of suicide method among suicide notes. In addition, males were more likely than females to employ more lethal means of suicide. Theoretical explanations for these findings are discussed, highlighting potential cultural influences.