Year: 1990 Source: Psychological Reports, v.67, no.1, (August 1990), p.218 SIEC No: 19902064

This study the influence of presidential elections on the rate of suicide in the U.S. The author found that the number of suicides was lower than average for 7 of 9 elections. The 2 increases were after Kennedy won in 1960 & after Reagan won in 1984. No effect on homicide rates was found. The author concludes that presidential elections in the U.S. appear to decrease the suicide rate in the month of the election. (VM)