Year: 1980 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.10, no.1, (Spring 1980), p.41-50 SIEC No: 19831260

Analyzes the recorded number of US daily suicides during 1972-6. Data indicate that there was a dip in suicides on & just before major public holidays; there was a peak in suicides just after these holidays; & the dip was somewhat larger than the peak — hence there was a net decrease in suicides around the holidays. It is suggested that holidays reduce the number of suicides. Previous contradictory findings are criticized.