Suicide And Other Violence Toward The Self

The different types of suicidal behavior are defined, and simple epidemiological data on suicide rates are provided by nation, sex, and age. In general, men have higher suicide rates than women, with the lone exception being China. Explanations of national differences in suicide rates are discussed: (1) the composition of society (the extent to which the society has a large proportion of individuals at high risk of suicide) and (2) Durkheim's focus on the integration of individuals into society and the regulation of individuals by society. Risk factors for suicide are reviewed, including the presence of psychiatric disorders, hopelessness, and recent stressors. The relationship between suicide and murder (e.g., murder followed by the suicide of the murderer) is explored. The impact of war on suicide is reviewed, the data on which suggest that war lowers suicide rates perhaps as a result of the increased level of social integration during wartime.