Putting the blame on others in suicide notes from Shanghai and Wuhan, China

Abstract

Background: Suicide note leavers sometimes blame others for their death. The blame could reveal extrinsic suicide risk factors and thus countermeasures may be ascertained. Aims: This study included suicide note leavers in Shanghai and Wuhan (n = 555) to examine (a) who was inclined to put the blame (b) on whom and (c) for what reason(s). Method: Logistic regressions were used to compare the note leavers who blamed others with those who did not. Cramer's V tests were used to examine the correlations between the note leavers' demographics and the targets of the blame. Results: Note leavers who used poisoning and cutting were more likely to blame others compared with those who used jumping, drowning, and hanging. Non-native note leavers tended to more frequently blame social problems and their workplaces compared with the natives. The common reasons for the blame on nonfamily members, children, and lovers/spouses were being mistakenly blamed for something, being disobedient, and having conflicts/hatred, respectively. Limitations: Some blame could have been made under the influence of psychiatric disorder/substances, and thus potentially deviated from the facts. Conclusion: Emotional/marriage consultations and family-therapy services should be made available to females experiencing love/family crises. Mental health services in the workplace could help reduce suicide risks.