The Economy and Suicide: An Interaction of Societal and Intrapersonal Risk Factors

• Published in: Crisis : the journal of crisis intervention and suicide prevention 2017-05, Vol.38 (3), p.141-146
• Main Authors: Mann, J. John, Metts, Allison V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Economy; Human; Risk Factors; Society; Suicide; Susceptibility (Disorders)
• ISSN: 0227-5910; 2151-2396
• DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000487

This editorial notes that the debate about the impact of the economy on suicide risk has progressed from untested theories to more complex epidemiological studies and much idiographic data in between. The subject illustrates the interaction of societal effects with the individual’s personal risk profile and vulnerability. How does an economic crisis affect suicide rates and which economic variables play a role? Does an economic downturn impact all social groups, regions within a nation, and different countries similarly? How does psychiatric illness and its treatment interact with economic variables and potentially affect suicide rates? An examination of the available literature answers some of these questions and illuminates the consideration of the best approaches for addressing the increased suicide rates seen during recent times of economic hardship as in the 2008 recession. Evidence exists to support a complex relationship between economic conditions and suicide. Outcome depends on both (a) adverse economic factors that can reduce per capita income and (b) the reduced tax base that can degrade quality and quantity of health care that a community can offer its citizens. From the other perspective, individuals with psychiatric illness can find it more difficult to find and hold better-paid jobs or any job. Finally, an economic downturn can have a disproportionately adverse economic effect on certain demographics like males 25–65 years of age, who are the household’s main income source, and on those with psychiatric illness, or older individuals, whose capacity to compete in the job market is not as good and who are also more vulnerable in terms of stress-triggered psychiatric or other medical disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)