The Suicide Rate by Each Method in Japan: a Test of Durkheims’ Theory of Suicide

Durkheim’s sociological theory of suicide was examined to explore how well it performed in predicting the Japanese suicide rate from 1970-89. Focusing on family social integration, only the divorce rate was associated with the suicide rate in the predicted direction (positively). Examination of the suicide rate by each method did not greatly improve the predictive power of Durkheim’s theory. The study thus questions the applicability of Durkheim’s theory to non-European nations. (12 refs.)