Comment: Transgenerational Patterns of Suicide Attempt

The subject of transgenerational patterns of suicide attempt calls for the examination of many variables extending even beyond those examined in the article by Sorenson and Rutter (1991). These latter variables include respondents' income, employment status, and length of residence in the community. These variables not only could affect eligibility for services, but also could act as stressors that contribute to the manifestation of some mental disorders and the risk of suicide attempt and ideation. The unavailability and inaccessibility of services also could act as additional stressors impinging on individuals and families and could serve to increase such risk. Scales that assess life changes may be useful in future studies on this topic.