Notas suicidas mexicanas. Un análisis cualitativo

Abstract

Objective.
Suicide note analysis is one of the more productive methods used in the study of suicide behavior.
Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to describe and analyze the affective, emotional, cognitive
and attitudinal characteristics related to the moment in which persons plan their self-destruction, as expressed
in their suicide notes.
Method.
An exp post facto study was made based on a sample of 142 suicide notes left
by persons who had committed suicide in the State of Guanajuato, México (2005-2008). An analysis of content
was made using the “Inter-juez” method (0.96 concordance coefficient), as well as contingency tables and
multidimensional scaling.
Results.
Of the total number of subjects involved in this study, 50% belonged to the
group aged 15 - 29 years of age. Eleven categories with statistically significant differences were found. The
reasons most given for committing suicide (45.1%) in both men and women (X2 = 6.856, p = 0.009), were due
to problems based on interpersonal relationships. 97.2% of the cases showed logical thinking development
and a consciousness in cognitive activity while 83% showed adequate orientation to reality.
Conclusion.
The
results support those produced by other international studies in relation to the etiological and psychosocial
understanding of suicide. The manifested reasons for suicide differ according to age groups, thus consideration
should be given to the specific mechanisms used for the detection and treatment of those at risk.