Can Government Responses to Unemployment Reduce the Impact of Unemployment on Suicide?

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Unemployment is a well-documented risk factor for suicide. Findings from a number of studies suggest that government policy plays a crucial role in mediating the unemployment–suicide relationship. Aims: Our review was designed to assess whether government policies aimed at managing unemployment can moderate the impact of unemployment on suicide and self-harm. Method: A systematic search of the Medline, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. All original, English-language, peer-reviewed studies examining the impact of unemployment policy on rates of suicide or self-harm were eligible for inclusion. Results: Six unique studies were identified, each using an ecological design and suicide deaths as the outcome. Three of five studies looking at unemployment benefits found a negative association with suicide rates. Studies examining the impact of active unemployment policy and employment protection legislation found evidence of beneficial effects. The effects of the policies were small and had particular benefit in reducing suicide rates among men. Limitations: The ecological designs used may limit conclusions around causality. It is unclear whether the findings generalize to those in lower- and middle-income countries. Conclusion: The findings suggest that unemployment policies can mitigate the relationship between unemployment and suicide, particularly among men.

The Role of Unemployment, Financial Hardship, and Economic Recession on Suicidal Behaviors and Interventions to Mitigate Their Impact: A Review

“…However, given the associations described above and important theoretical conceptualizations it is conceivable that such activities may reduce suicidal behaviors and ideation, as well as improve overall mental health and wellbeing ( 7 , 8 , 56 ). A recent systematic literature review of studies published until October 2018 sought to determine whether government level responses to economic factors ameliorated the relationship between unemployment and suicide ( 57 ). Only six ecological studies examining unemployment policy (e.g., benefits, protection legislation) on suicide rates were identified.…”

“…It appears that despite the well-established connection between economic factors and recession with suicidal behaviors, there is a comparatively small body of research investigating the protective role of government policy interventions with regards to suicide prevention, especially when considering suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. However, as noted by Shand et al (57) suicide is an "extreme" outcome from unemployment. Other literature reviews have noted the beneficial impact of ALMP initiatives and benefit payments/social protection spending on physical and mental wellbeing, including depressive symptoms [see (67,68) for review].…”

Criminalisation of suicide and suicide rates: an ecological study of 171 countries in the world

“…Instead, other laws and regulations have been shown to have suicide prevention effects without the penalty. Laws that restrict access to lethal suicide means (pesticides, guns and so forth) 34 or provide welfare and financial support to persons in the economic downturns 17 were found to be effective in reducing suicide rates. On the other hand, more and more countries and regions are permitting physician-assisted suicide or medical aid in dying, which might unwittingly promote the public acceptance of suicide and thus increase suicide rates.…”

“…15 Rising national unemployment rate was also associated with increased national suicide rate. 17 The current study explored whether countries with penal codes punishing suicide were associated with lower suicide rates. The hypothesis is such codes were not associated with lowered suicide rates.…”

“…Though with some contradictory results, Human Development Index (HDI) was shown to be positively associated with national suicide rates 15. Rising national unemployment rate was also associated with increased national suicide rate 17…”