Abstract
The present study examined genuine and simulated suicide notes aiming to identify the measures of content that best differentiate between the two. Thirty-three genuine and thirty-three simulated suicide notes were content-analysed and data subjected to smallest space analysis (SSA), a Multidimensional Scaling Procedure. The core of all suicide notes was discovered to be constructed with the use of three variables: expressions of love, positive construction of partner and apologies. Furthermore, four different genuine suicide note themes ('planned escape', 'negative affect and self-mitigation', 'positive affect and failed relationship', 'lack of self-acceptance') and three simulated suicide note themes ('escape', 'positive affect and self-blame', 'purposeless life') were identified revealing that authentic suicide note themes were more internally consistent and clearer to interpret.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 151-160 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Forensic Science International |
Volume | 245 |
Early online date | 1 Nov 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2014 |
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Maria Ioannou
- School of Human and Health Sciences
- Secure Societies Institute - Director
- Behavioural Research Centre - Associate Member
- Department of Social and Psychological Sciences - Professor
Person: Academic