NCJ Number
177673
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Suicide in Australia was examined in terms of trends over time, the role of social factors such as marital status and economic cycles, methods, and prevention.
Abstract
The analysis revealed that female suicides rates have fallen markedly, except for teenagers. Suicide rates for men over age 30 have declined significantly. However, the rate has tripled for teenage males, has almost tripled for males in their early twenties, and has increased by more than two-thirds for males in their late twenties. The available research indicates that besides the psychobiological causes, social factors have a central role in suicide causes and distribution. The suicide rate appears to be significantly lower among married people than among others. Suicide trends in Australia also reveal a strong correlation between unemployment and the suicide rate. Persons in unskilled and semiskilled blue-collar occupations also have higher suicide rates than other occupations. Downward occupational mobility also appears important. Migration and ethnicity, the day and season, media stories of suicide, and urban residence are also associated with suicide rates. The choice of suicide methods is determined by convenience, accessibility, and sociocultural factors. An effective and comprehensive suicide prevention policy should focus both on primary prevention and on services for survivors of attempted suicide. Figures, table, and 6 references