Suicide Attempts in Jails: Prognostic Considerations

The authors studied the background and mental status of prisoners in Arizona jails who made suicide attempts during 1970, to try to define factors indicating that a prisoner is at high risk of attempting suicide. They found statistically significant differences between subjects and controls for seven of nine variables studied. From the data and from interviews with eight suicide attempters, the authors make suggestions for mental health consultants who work with law-enforcement agencies.