The Culture of Suicide Through Societal Integration and Religion: 1996-1998 Gender-Specific Suicide Rates in 50 American States

A multivariate model of 1996-1998 male & female suicide rates in the 50 states using Durkheim’s societal integration concepts, spatial integration, & the culture of suicide was the focus of this article. Using multiple regression analysis, state divorce rates, church membership, approval of suicide, sex ratios, population density, & lagged 1981-82 suicide rates appeared to be statistically significant, which explained 90% of male & 79% of female suicide rate variation. The usefulness of macro-level analysis is discussed. (30 refs)