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Suicide in Cork and Ireland
1St Anne's Hospital & Clinic, Shanakiel, Cork, Ireland.
Summary
Official suicide rates in Ireland significantly rose from 1970 to 1985. This increase is attributed to societal changes like rising crime, declining social cohesion, and increased unemployment.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- The official suicide rate in Ireland experienced a significant increase between 1970 and 1985.
- This rise is confirmed as genuine, not an artifact of improved recording practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the marked increase in Ireland's official suicide rate during the specified period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of official suicide statistics.
- Examination of social indicators including crime rates, illegitimacy, alcoholism admissions, marriage rates, and unemployment figures.
Main Results:
- The study identified several potential contributing factors to the rise in suicide rates.
- These include increased 'anomie' (evidenced by rising crime, illegitimacy, and alcoholism admissions), decreased social cohesion (indicated by falling marriage rates and more separations), and heightened unemployment.
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in suicide rates in Ireland during 1970-1985 is likely linked to a complex interplay of social and economic factors.
- Societal changes such as increased anomie, reduced social cohesion, and rising unemployment appear to be significant contributors.