The gender paradox of suicidal behavior refers to the consistent epidemiological finding that
women report higher rates of suicidal ideation and non-fatal suicidal behavior, whereas men
exhibit substantially higher suicide mortality. Although this paradox has been documented
globally, its manifestation varies considerably across European regions. Eastern European
countries, particularly post-Soviet states, demonstrate exceptionally high male suicide rates and
wider gender gaps compared with Western Europe. This review examines the gender paradox of
suicide from a comparative East–West European perspective, focusing on epidemiological
patterns, sociocultural determinants, alcohol-related harm, economic transitions, mental health
systems, and gender norms. Evidence suggests that the East–West divide reflects differences in
hazardous alcohol consumption, socioeconomic instability, masculinity norms, healthcare
access, and family structures. The review also discusses methodological limitations in crossnational comparisons and outlines implications for suicide prevention policy.
Keywords: suicide, gender paradox, Eastern Europe, Western Europe.