Is Awareness of Suicide Risk and Intent Culturally Informed? A Comparison between Australia and Brazil.

Abstract

Few studies have considered how suicide is perceived and impacted by stigma across cultures. A sample of 478 participants from Australia and Brazil was used to investigate cross-cultural perceptions of suicide and the impact of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others.

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide framed a mixed method within and between groups design. English and Portuguese versions of an online survey were developed to assess perception of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, suicide stigma, and demographic characteristics. A significant model was identified predicting recognition of suicide risk in Australia and Brazil.

However, not all constructs contributed uniquely. Suicide stigma was found to blind perception of suicide risk in others across cultures. Theoretical implications and future directions for research are outlined.