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The effects of interstate migration on suicide
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Interstate migration, a form of culture shock, is linked to increased suicide rates across American states. This association persists even when controlling for income and demographic factors like race.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Previous studies on migration and suicide primarily examined international migration and culture shock.
- Limited research exists on the impact of domestic, or interstate, migration on suicide rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between interstate migration and suicide rates in the 50 U.S. states.
- To determine if interstate migration influences suicide rates independently of socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of suicide rates across the 50 American states.
- Statistical modeling to assess the impact of interstate migration, controlling for income and racial demographics.
Main Results:
- Interstate migration rate was found to significantly influence suicide rates.
- A 1% increase in interstate migration correlated with a 0.27% increase in suicide rates.
- The percentage of the Black population also independently influenced suicide rates, supporting differential socialization theory.
Conclusions:
- Interstate migration is a significant factor associated with varying suicide rates across U.S. states.
- The influence of migration on suicide is independent of income levels.
- Racial demographics, specifically the Black population percentage, also play an independent role in suicide rates.