Changing age patterns of U.S. male and female suicide rates, 1934-1983

Changes in the age patterns of U.S. male and female suicide rates from 1934 to 1983 are examined, using official suicide data. Among whites, the age patterns of male and female suicide rates have become less concordant since about 1960. In contrast, the age patterns of nonwhite male and female suicide rates have become more concordant since the mid-1950s. A review of sociological theories of suicide identifies problems in accounting for such changes--problems stemming in part from what has been a theoretical emphasis on cross-sectional relations.