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Social Integration and Suicide: The Effects of Holidays on a Decrease in Suicide  

Han, Seung-Yong (한양대학교 인구 및 고령사회연구소)
Publication Information
Korea journal of population studies / v.31, no.1, 2008 , pp. 165-194 More about this Journal
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to examine the suicide pattern during major holidays which are considered to be in high social integration - New Year's Day, Lunar New Year's Day, Harvest Festival (Chuseok) and Christmas. To confirm suicide patterns, this study hypothesized firstly, the number of suicides would decrease before and on each holiday, and secondly, the number of suicides would increase after each holiday. In detail, this study postulated different patterns by marital status and age groups. Utilizing "Causes of Death Statistics" from 2000 to 2005, the number of suicides by marital status and age group on each day is calculated and categorized by holiday. There are four major findings. First, the decrease in the number of suicides during holiday periods is significant. Second, different suicide patterns by marital status are not found. Third, the difference in suicide patterns by age groups is significant. Specifically, there is a decrease in the number of suicides of the old during Lunar New Year's Day and Harvest Festival (Chuseok). On the other hand, there is no changes in the number of suicides of the young during the same periods. Fourth, a decrease in the number of suicides regardless of marital status and age is found at the end of a year. These results mean that increased social integration is functioned as a "suicide immune system." However, each generation has its own main factor that increases social integration.
Keywords
suicide patterns; holidays; social integration; marital status; age group; family values;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
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