During the period 1 October 1988 to 31 December 1993, 2068 episodes of parasuicide involving 1543 persons were registered in the county of Sør-Trøndelag, Norway. Parasuicide rates decreased in the area compared with 1987, more for females than for males. Rates were higher for divorced females and separated males than for those of other marital statuses, but these rates were lower than previously found in the same area. The proportion of unemployed patients remained fairly stable, while the rate of unemployment increased in the general population. Compared to males, female parasuicide patients more often reported family problems and economic inactivity, and more often had been victims of violence or sexual abuse. Male parasuicide patients more often than females were living alone, were unemployed, abused alcohol, had financial problems, and had been engaged in criminal activity. Compared with older parasuicide patients, the young of both sexes were more often unemployed and abused drugs, but had less often been in contact with the health or social services. In addition, young female parasuicide patients more often had experienced family problems and suicidal behaviour among family or friends. The results were generally considered to be consistent with theories of sex role stereotypes, which emphasize expressive traits in an affiliative context for females and instrumental traits in a public or economic context for men.