Age patterns of suicide and homicide mortality rates in high-income nations

Author: Pampel, F. C. / Williamson, J. B.
Publication: Social Forces
Topics: Age Group international suicide
Keywords: International Suicide
Bibliographic information +

The authors, using aggregate data on 18 nations from 1955 to 1994, find that homicide and suicide rates in the U.S. and other high-income nations have risen, both in absolute terms and for younger relative to older age groups. Factors accounting for this increase may include decreased economic prospects among youth, a more pronounced effect of changes in work, marriage, divorce and fertility on youth, less public policy support for youth and a sense of isolation of youth from older age groups. Public policy efforts to reduce homicide and suicide rates should take these factors into account.