Why might men be more at risk of suicide after a relationship breakdown? Sociological insights

Relationship breakdown constitutes a major risk factor for suicide ideation and completion. Although no definitive conclusion can be reached about a gender differential in susceptibility to this factor, several studies have identified that there is an elevated risk factor in men following divorce and separation. This paper presents an overview of sociological explanations that may be employed to understand this phenomenon. There is discussion of: the changing nature of intimacy; men’s loss of honour; marriage as a more positive experience for men than for women; control in relationships; the increasing importance of the care of children for men; and men’s social networks. The paper concludes with possible implications for policy and practice