Year: 1986 Source: Sociology of Sport Journal, v.3, no.1, (March 1986), p.1-14 SIEC No: 19910470

This study tests the hypothesis that the lowering of suicide rates which occurs around major ceremonial occasions, particularly public holidays, also applies to major sports events. The authors compared the suicide patterns of July 4th & Thanksgiving Day with the last day of the World Series & Super Bowl Sunday. The rates were comparatively low – though less so for sport ceremonies – just before & during the ceremonial days & comparatively high after them. (VM)