An expert has stated that suicidal patterns are influenced by culture and this can also play a significant role in prevention.

Psychologist Silvia S. Canetto of Colorado State University feels that due to gender paradox in the U. S. that is influenced by the American cultural norm, women attempt more suicides than men but their death rate is still lower than men.

Canetto said, "Everywhere, suicidal behaviour is culturally scripted. Women and men adopt the self-destructive behaviours that are expected of them within their cultures."

The Aguaruna people of Peru were cited as an example by Canetto. These people according to Canetto are the ones for whom suicide is considered as an indication of feminine inability to control strong emotions.

She added that in terms of the kinds of suicidal behaviour men and women engage in is not different and it might just be the kind of circumstances and the reasons for their behaviours that might be different.

She also feels that when a difference is seen in suicidal behaviours of men and women, it is due to the social group they belong to.

Canetto added that a culturally specific focus required by suicide research and prevention.