Suicide in Flanders, Belgium, after terrorist attacks

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Sociology

Background:

• The relationship between terrorism and suicide rates remains under-researched.
• Understanding psychological impacts of terrorism is crucial for public health.
• Previous studies have not directly compared the impact of foreign versus domestic attacks on suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between terrorism and suicide numbers in Flanders, Belgium.
• To compare the impact of the Paris attacks (2015) and Brussels attacks (2016) on suicide rates.
• To explore potential differences in the psychological impact of foreign versus domestic terrorist events.

Main Methods:

• Utilized population mortality data for suicide in Flanders, Belgium.
• Analyzed suicide data from the period before and after the Paris attacks (November 13, 2015).
• Analyzed suicide data from the period before and after the Brussels attacks (March 22, 2016).

Main Results:

• Suicide numbers in Flanders, Belgium, significantly increased following both the Paris and Brussels attacks.
• The rise in suicides was more pronounced after the Paris attacks compared to the Brussels attacks.
• Foreign terrorist attacks (Paris) appeared to have a larger effect on suicide rates than domestic attacks (Brussels).

Conclusions:

• Terrorism, particularly foreign attacks, may be associated with increased suicide rates.
• The perceived threat and coping mechanisms may influence the psychological impact of terrorism on suicide.
• Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay between terrorism and suicidal behavior.