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Suicides in Beijing, China, 1992-1993
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460-8051, USA.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study analyzed Beijing suicide data from 1992-1993, revealing distinct patterns compared to Western societies. Key findings include a lower suicide rate and a reversed gender effect, with more females dying by suicide than males.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide patterns in Western societies are well-documented.
- Limited data exists on suicide demographics and trends in China for Western academic audiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first comprehensive analysis of Chinese suicide data to Western academia.
- To compare Chinese suicide patterns with those observed in Western societies.
- To explore the influence of socio-cultural factors on suicide in China.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of raw suicide data from the Beijing Public Security Bureau (1992-1993).
- Comparative analysis with established Western suicide research (Durkheim, Diekstra, NCHS).
Main Results:
- A comparatively low suicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 population.
- A reversed gender effect: 55.4% of suicides were female, 44.6% male.
- Seasonal variations in suicide rates align with Western patterns, showing a correlation with warmer seasons.
Conclusions:
- Chinese suicide patterns exhibit significant differences from Western societies, influenced by unique historical, cultural, and social forces.
- The reversed gender effect and specific alleged causes require further socio-cultural investigation.
- Despite differences, seasonal trends in suicide demonstrate some universal characteristics.