Adolescent attitudes toward suicide

Jewish Israeli adolescent attitudes toward suicide were studied and overall demonstrated a positive approach. Adolescents related to suicide as representing a crisis rather than a mental disorder. Nearly half the subjects did not regard suicide as a shameful act, and approximately two-thirds considered it justifiable under certain conditions. The majority stated they would not punish a suicidal person, nor expel a suicidal adolescent from school. Approximately two-thirds said they would not change their attitude toward a suicidal friend. Female subjects consistently demonstrated a more accepting attitude, regardless of their religious beliefs, however, religious male adolescents consistently demonstrated a more negative attitude than nonreligious males.