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Comparing genuine and simulated suicide notes: a new perspective

S T Black1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|August 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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This study found that genuine suicide notes from men and women did not differ between samples. However, simulated suicide note writers (SNWs) differed significantly, highlighting issues with using role-playing in suicide research.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Suicidology

Background:

  • Previous research on suicide notes by Shneidman and Farberow (1957) used preselected writers for simulated notes.
  • Subsequent studies have perpetuated this methodological limitation when comparing genuine and simulated suicide notes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences between genuine suicide notes and notes written by unpreselected simulated note writers (SNWs).
  • To address methodological issues in suicide note research stemming from the use of preselected participants.

Main Methods:

  • A new sample of genuine suicide notes was collected from completed suicides (adults, White, with at least one note).
  • Unpreselected, unpaid community volunteers served as simulated note writers (SNWs).
  • Genuine note writers from the current and 1957 samples were compared, as were SNWs from different samples.

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Main Results:

  • Genuine suicide note writers from the current and 1957 samples showed no significant differences.
  • Simulated note writers (SNWs) across samples exhibited significant differences.
  • The role-playing nature of simulated notes poses challenges for interpreting differences.

Conclusions:

  • Methodological flaws in using preselected participants for simulated suicide notes can skew research findings.
  • Genuine suicide notes from diverse samples appear consistent, suggesting a stable phenomenon.
  • Future research should consider the impact of participant selection on simulated suicide note studies.