Race, religion and female suicide attempters in Singapore

Abstract

The attempted suicide rate in Singapore is about 70 per 100,000 (1980). This paper focuses on the rates of female attempters among the three ethnic groups comprising the Chinese (112 per 100,000), Malays (51 per 100,000) and Indians (344 per 100,000), and discusses the reasons why there are such great differences between them. Chinese ascribe to (a) Confucianism which stresses filial duty and the inferior position of women and (b) Buddhism which has no strong sanctions against taking one's life. Malays are Muslims, and the Islam faith strongly condemns suicidal behaviour. Indians are mostly Hindus, and this religion teaches that there is a cycle of reincarnation and rebirth; suicidal behaviour is not strongly forbidden. Malays have the greatest social support and are the most contented of the three races. Indians, especially the women are subjected to frustrations and stresses in their roles as daughters, wives and daughters-in-law. Often they have no outlet for ventilating their problems and resort to attempted suicide as a cry for help. The need for achievement, materialism, and dependence on men are predisposing factors in the Chinese.