This paper presents a systematic review of the evidence on gender differentials in suicide risk after breakdown
in intimate relationships (including divorce and separation). Twenty-nine published papers were identified,
which included analysis of individual-level data and ecological studies. Of these, 17 found suicide risk to be
higher in men, six found risk to be higher in women and six had no consistent findings on gender difference.
The review also considered the evidence of differences between men in suicide risk when relationships break
down. Three studies found a larger gender differential for younger men and a further three found a larger
gender differential for men in mid-life. However, there were more studies indicating a higher suicide risk for
men in mid-life post-separation or divorce than for younger men. The paper presents a discussion of
theoretical insights from social science that might help to explain the gender differential, including marriage as
a more positive experience for men than for women, men’s loss of honour, the changing nature of intimacy,
the increasing importance to men of the care of children, control in relationships and men’s social networks.
The paper concludes with possible implications for policy and practice.