ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the content of “genuine” and “simulated” suicide notes. Through the use of a multivariate approach, it shows how 66 suicide notes may be discriminated with respect to nine variables. Where the analysis facilitated the separation of these variables into two groups. The first broadly reflects measures of content whilst the other is characterised by measures of structure. A second anlaysis demonstrated that the five measures of content best discriminated between genuine and simulated notes. It is proposed that collectively these five variables reflect the degree to which an individual has internalised the decision to die. Further analysis suggests that within content measures there exist two sub-divisions, whereby genuine notes may be identified through an analysis of lexical components with respect to psychological themes deemed characteristic of a genuine wish to die.
