Suicide in the Western World (IN: The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide, edited by K Hawton & K van Heeringen)

This chapter compares suicides rates in the Western world. New data are presented with consideration of the cultural & geographical similarities & dissimilarities. The most significant trends have been increased suicide rates in young males in many countries. Trends in methods seem to reflect changes in availability & acceptability. Studies of suicide & associations with methods, marital status, parenthood, seasons & weather are summarized. The chapter concludes with general speculation about reasons for secular trends & suggestions for future research. (61 refs.)