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Published on: August 1, 2017
How Many People Are Exposed to Suicide? Not Six
Julie Cerel1, Margaret M Brown2, Myfanwy Maple3
1College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Abstract:
It has long been stated that six people are left behind following every suicide. Despite a lack of empirical evidence, this has been extensively cited for over 30 years. Using data from a random-digit dial survey, a more accurate number of people exposed to each suicide is calculated. A sample of 1,736 adults included 812 lifetime suicide-exposed respondents who reported age and number of exposures. Each suicide resulted in 135 people exposed (knew the person). Each suicide affects a large circle of people, who may be in need of clinician services or support following exposure.
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