The Connection Between Macro and Micro Levels: States’ Spending for Hospitals and Their Suicide Rates

Conducted a trend analysis of states’ spending for hospitals & their suicide rates in 1960, 1970, 1980 & 1984. Spending for hospitals was not directly related to suicide rates until 1984. In 1984, spending was not only directly & inversely related to suicide rates, but also accounted for a 5% increase in their variance. Findings call attention to institutional norms of cost containment at all costs and states’ suicide rates. (72 refs.)