Is Suicide Beautiful?

Abstract. Background: The sociocultural context shapes attitudes toward suicide. Japanese literary works such as the Hagakure and the Bunraku Sonezaki-Shinju depict suicide as beautiful and honorable. Although suicide acceptance is likely to affect suicide rates and prevention efforts in Japan, studies in this area are limited. Aims: This study aimed to explore suicide acceptance and related factors among Japanese participants. Method: Using an Internet research company, questionnaires were distributed that measured acceptance of suicide, suicide stigma, mental health, an opinion on suicide prevention efforts, and demographic variables. Data from 2,051 participants were analyzed using t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: We found a two-factor model (comprising beautification and justification factors) for the suicide acceptance scale and confirmed the scale's validity and reliability. The results showed significant differences in suicide acceptance by gender, age, educational level, employment status, and bereavement experience. A hierarchical regression analysis model revealed that suicide beautification was negatively related to positive opinion on suicide prevention efforts. Limitations: This study only focused on Japanese participants; therefore, further studies and cross-cultural comparisons are needed. Conclusion: The results revealed that suicide beautification was negatively associated with positive opinion on suicide prevention efforts after controlling for other variables.