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Suicide in rural communities
Author(s) -
Gallagher Anthony G.,
Sheehy Noel P.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of community and applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.042
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1099-1298
pISSN - 1052-9284
DOI - 10.1002/casp.2450040302
Subject(s) - suicide prevention , suicide rates , rural area , interpersonal communication , poison control , psychology , demography , geography , socioeconomics , political science , sociology , social psychology , medicine , environmental health , law
The public image of rural areas being characterized by social stability, integration, and supportive interpersonal networks has been challenged with recent evidence showing a large increase in the suicide rate in these areas. Increases have been reported for a number of European countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, and Ireland. This paper reviews the evidence relating to those groups at risk of suicide. The group at most risk of committing suicide in rural areas is males between the ages of 25 and 60, who are unemployed and live alone, and who have a history of psychological disturbance. These findings are discussed in relation to the psychological implications of socio‐economic changes brought about by changes in the Common Agriculture Policy of the European Community.