Death Studies Volume 40, Issue 5, 2016, Pages 305-315

Impact of economic fluctuations on suicide mortality in Canada (1926–2008): Testing the Durkheim, Ginsberg, and Henry and Short theories

DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2015.1133727

Lise Thibodeau & James Lachaud

ABSTRACT

Three theories have been proposed to explain the relationship between suicide and economic fluctuations, including the Durkheim (nonlinear), Ginsberg (procyclical), and Henry and Short (countercyclical) theories.

This study tested the effect of economic fluctuations, measured by unemployment rate, on suicide rates in Canada from 1926 to 2008. Autoregressive integrated moving average time-series models were used.

The results showed a significant relationship between suicide and economic fluctuation; this association was positive during the contraction period (1926–1950) and negative in the period of economic expansion (1951–1973). Males and females showed differential effects in the period of moderate unemployment (1974–2008). In addition, the suicide rate of mid-adults (45–64) was most impacted by economic fluctuations.

Our study tends to support Durkheim’s theory and suggests the need for public health responses in times of economic contraction and expansion.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07481187.2015.1133727