Attitudes Toward the Unification of Western Europe and Cross-National Suicide Rates: Eight European Countries, 1973-1990

The purpose of this analysis is to examine a different component of the concept of political integration – that of attitudes. During the past couple of decades, individuals in eight western European countries have been asked about their attitudes toward the unification of western Europe. Cross-sectional time series analysis reveals that the attitudes individuals hold toward such an event are significantly related to suicide rates. Although Durkheim’s theory of political integration focuses on events within a given country, this research finds that political integration exists on an international level as well. A reformulation of Durkheim’s theory of political integration is put forth. (45 refs.)