Suicide and Homicide During Major Sports Events 1972-1984: Comment on Curtis, Loy, and Karnilowicz

Curtis et al (1986) noted that research indicates that suicide rates are lower on major national holidays. A significant deviation from chance expectations was not found when suicide rates during major sports events were explored. This study examined suicide & homicide data from 1972-1984. Super Bowl Sunday had an average of 69.6 suicides compared to an average of 66.3 on the Sundays before & after it (not statistically significant). Similarly, the average number of homicides on Super Bowl Sunday did not significantly differ from the number on adjacent Sundays. Nor were any significant differences noted for the number of suicides or homicides on the day of the final game of the World Series & the same day 1 week prior & 1 week after. (3 refs.)