The context of suicide

An analysis of eight cases of female suicide, drawn from Terman's Genetic Study of Genius sample, found little foreshadowing of suicide in the subjects' childhood and adolescence, absence of paternal involvement and concomitantly strong maternal influence, somatization of problems, perceived lack of accomplishment, and diminished sense of self-esteem in adulthood. Comparisons with male suicides in the Terman sample are discussed.