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Suicide and unemployment in young people

Analysis of trends in England and Wales, 1921–1995

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

David Gunnell ,
Tom Lopatatzidis ,
Daniel Dorling ,
Helen Wehner ,
Humphrey Southall  and
Stephen Frankel
David Gunnell*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
Tom Lopatatzidis
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
Daniel Dorling
Affiliation:
School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol
Helen Wehner
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
Humphrey Southall
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, London
Stephen Frankel
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol
*
David J. Gunnell, Departent of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2PR. Tel: 0117 9287253; fax: 0117 9287204; e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

The influence of the macro-economic climate on suicide is unclear. During the recent recession, rates have increased in young males but declined in females.

Aims

To investigate associations between unemployment and suicide in 15 – to 44-year-old men and women over a period spanning two major economic recessions (1921–1995). To minimise confounding by changes in method availability, analyses are restricted to suicides using methods other than poisons and gases.

Method

Time-series analysis using routine mortality and unemployment data.

Results

There were significant associations between unemployment and suicide in both males and females. Associations were generally stronger at younger ages.

Conclusions

Secular trends in youth suicide may be influenced by unemployment or other factors associated with changes in the macroeconomic climate. These factors appear to affect women to the same extent as men. Although it is not possible to draw firm aetiological conclusions from time-trend data, our findings are in keeping with those of person-based studies.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 3 , September 1999 , pp. 263 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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