Incidence of Note-Leaving Remains Constant Despite Increasing Suicide Rates

It was hypothesized there was a significant relation between suicide rate & note-leaving rate & that the incidence of note-leaving was increased during a prolonged economic recession. During 1981-2001 in Kobe, Japan there were 5161 suicides. For each year, annual suicide rates & note-leaving rates were calculated. In spite of the prolonged economic slump, the note-leaving rate remained almost constant (23.4-36.2%). Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed no significant correlation between suicide rate & note-leaving rates. This finding may suggest the reasons for suicide do not affect note-leaving. (5 refs.)