New Micro-Level Data on the Impact of Divorce on Suicide, 1959-1980: a Test of two Theories

This study analyzes divorce & suicide rates from 2 opposing explanations – status integration & Durkheimian theory. The former predicts a decline in the effect of divorce on suicide because divorce is more frequent & socially acceptable. The latter predicts no change or an increase in suicide. The author finds that the gap between rates for the divorced & married has narrowed as divorce has become more common, however the gap is still substantial so status integration is not supported. (VM)