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Why are the British hanging themselves?

D J Pounder1

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Dundee, Scotland.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|June 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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Suicide rates in Britain increased among males, especially young men, linked to more hanging deaths. This trend may stem from the abolition of judicial hanging, making it a more socially acceptable suicide method.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Suicide rates in England and Wales between 1950 and 1990 showed a notable increase, particularly among males.
  • Hanging emerged as a more frequent suicide method during this period, especially for younger males.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze suicide statistics in Britain from 1950 to 1990.
  • To investigate the association between the rising suicide rate and the increased use of hanging as a method.
  • To explore the potential impact of the abolition of judicial hanging on suicide method choice.

Main Methods:

  • Statistical analysis of suicide data from England and Wales (1950-1990).
  • Examination of trends in suicide rates and methods, with a focus on hanging.
  • Correlation analysis between the rise in suicide rates and the use of hanging.

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Main Results:

  • A significant rise in suicide rates was observed among males, particularly young males, from 1950 to 1990.
  • The use of hanging as a suicide method increased concurrently with the rising suicide rate in males.
  • No similar trend was observed among females.
  • The abolition of judicial hanging in 1965 may have influenced the acceptability of suicide by hanging.

Conclusions:

  • The increased use of hanging, a highly lethal method, may be a contributing factor to the rise in completed suicides and overall suicide rates in British males.
  • Changes in the social perception and acceptability of suicide by hanging, potentially influenced by the end of judicial executions, likely played a role in this shift of method choice.