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Suicide trends in eight predominantly English-speaking countries 1960–1989

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Abstract

Suicide rates between 1960 and 1989 were explored for eight predominantly English speaking countries with similar national characteristics. New World countries showed significant similarities but differed from Old World countries. The two North American (NA) New World countries showed more similarity to each other than the two Australasian New World countries. The NA countries showed an unique plateau in the 1980s for males aged 15–29 years. Old World males of all ages showed common rises, suggesting a partial sex-specific influence in the young. However, trends among the 15-to 19-year-olds were significantly different to trensas among the 20-to 29-year-olds in both sexes suggesting a substantial youth-related contribution to the rises. Rates among 15-to 19-year-old females rose in the early 1960s, ahead of males but in parallel with rises among older females, suggesting part of the rise was sex-as opposed to age-related. Although rates among the 15- to 19-year-old females showed little change since 1970, this may be partly a function of sex-related improvements—observable in older females — disguising unfavourable youth-related influences. Possible aetiological factors are suggested but remain speculative. Studies of other nations with common cultural characteristics may clarify trends and aetiological issues. Care should be taken to differentiate sex-from age-related influences.

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Author notes

  1. C. H. Cantor

    Present address: Griffith University, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Carina 4152, P. O. Box 24, Queensland, Australia

  2. A. M. Wolanowski

    Present address: , 29, rue de la Procession (e'2etage), F-75015, Paris, France

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 880 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 806, N9A 1C7, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

    A. A. Leenaars

  2. Stockton State College, 08240-9988, Pomona, NJ, USA

    D Lester

  3. Suicide Research and Prevention Program, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, 4102, Woollongabba, Queensland, Australia

    P. J. Slater

  4. Analysis and Consultancy Unit, Epidemiology and Health, Information Branch, Queensland Health, GPO Box 48, 4001, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    A. M. Wolanowski

  5. Department of Psychiatry, Royal Brisbane Hospital, 4029, Herston, Queensland, Australia

    B. O'Toole

Authors
  1. C. H. Cantor
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  2. A. A. Leenaars
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  3. D Lester
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  4. P. J. Slater
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  5. A. M. Wolanowski
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  6. B. O'Toole
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Cantor, C.H., Leenaars, A.A., Lester, D. et al. Suicide trends in eight predominantly English-speaking countries 1960–1989. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 31, 364–373 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00783426

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00783426

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