Suicide and Masculinities: An Analysis Through Gender and Sexualities

Abstract

The Brazilian suicidal behavior epidemiology, in what concerns to gender, is analogous to most countries in the international scenario, according to the World Health Organization survey, with 172 nations. In Brazil, the number of suicide deaths is three to four times higher among men and, in addition, research shows that the prevalence of self-extermination attempts may be higher in the male sex-diverse population. Based on the statistical data that infer gender and sexuality issues related to the psychological suffering of men, the present research aimed to qualitatively analyze, through the theories of masculinities, the biographical reports of gay, bisexual and heterosexual men who have already manifested suicidal behavior. The intention was to focus on the contexts of suffering that led the participants to ideations and attempts at self-extermination. In the end, the categories identified point to similarities and distinctions in the narratives of each sexual orientation group and show how the non-correspondence to hegemonic masculinity is expressed in the studied sexualities.