Economic crisis and suicidal behaviour: the role of unemployment, sex and age in Andalusia, Southern Spain

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough suicide rates have increased in some European countries in relation to the current economic crisis and austerity policies, that trend has not been observed in Spain. This study examines the impact of the economic crisis on suicide attempts, the previously neglected endpoint of the suicidal process, and its relation to unemployment, age and sex.MethodsThe study was carried out in Andalusia, the most populated region of Spain, and which has a high level of unemployment. Information on suicide attempts attended by emergency services was extracted from the Health Emergencies Public Enterprise Information System (SIEPES). Suicide attempts occurring between 2003 and 2012 were included, in order to cover five years prior to the crisis (2003–2007) and five years after its onset (2008–2012). Information was retrieved from 24,380 cases (11,494 men and 12,886 women) on sex, age, address, and type of attention provided. Age-adjusted suicide attempt rates were calculated. Excess numbers of attempts from 2008 to 2012 were estimated for each sex using historical trends of the five previous years, through time regression models using negative binomial regression analysis. To assess the association between unemployment and suicide attempts rates, linear regression models with fixed effects were performed.ResultsA sharp increase in suicide attempt rates in Andalusia was detected after the onset of the crisis, both in men and in women. Adults aged 35 to 54 years were the most affected in both sexes. Suicide attempt rates were associated with unemployment rates in men, accounting for almost half of the cases during the five initial years of the crisis. Women were also affected during the recession period but this association could not be specifically attributed to unemployment.ConclusionsThis study enhances our understanding of the potential effects of the economic crisis on the rapidly increasing suicide attempt rates in women and men, and the association of unemployment with growing suicidal behaviour in men. Research on the suicide effects of the economic crisis may need to take into account earlier stages of the suicidal process, and that this effect may differ by age and sex.

The Effect of Resilience and Stress Coping Styles on Suicide Attempts in Females Reporting Spouse-Related Abuse

“…In previous studies, the combination of young age with economic problems and crises (21), poverty, and unemployment caused psychological crises, such as depression and aggressive behaviors, such as argument between partners and suicide attempt (22). A high level of education has also been shown to be associated with a reduced incidence of harmful emotions, such as anger and despair and a great success in finding solutions and controlling these factors (23).…”

Psychological Effects of Youth Unemployment in Ghana

“…In their examination of the association between exposure to unemployment and suicidal behaviours, Fergusson et al (2007) observed among New Zealand youths that, at all ages, prolonged unemployment predicted increased risks of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Córdoba-Doña et al (2014) noted that the economic crisis in Europe led to a significant increase in suicide rates in many of the European countries. In Andalusia, the most populated region of Spain, Córdoba-Doña et al (2014) discovered a significant increase in suicide attempt rates after the onset of the economic crisis.…”

“…Córdoba-Doña et al (2014) noted that the economic crisis in Europe led to a significant increase in suicide rates in many of the European countries. In Andalusia, the most populated region of Spain, Córdoba-Doña et al (2014) discovered a significant increase in suicide attempt rates after the onset of the economic crisis. There was a significant association between suicide attempt rates and unemployment rates in men, accounting for nearly half of the cases in the early years of the crisis.…”

“…Whilst women were impacted by the economic crisis, the increase in their suicide rates could not specifically be attributed to unemployment. The study of Córdoba-Doña et al (2014) provides impetus for an investigation into suicide attempts in Ghana as an effect of the current crisis in the Ghanaian labour market, especially given that such effects differ crossculturally in nature and process.…”

Vulnerabilidad social percibida en contexto de crisis económica

“…Concretamente, la evitación derivada de sentimientos de vergüenza o culpa -junto con la falta de recursos económicos-, puede conllevar al incremento del aislamiento social, así como a provocar sentimientos de soledad (Fielden y Davidson, 1998;Stokes y Cochrane, 1984;Schwarzer et al, 1994). Así, la pérdida de un empleo no sólo niega a los individuos acceso a una fuente importante de apoyo social, sino que puede tener un impacto considerable en sus relaciones con las personas fuera del ámbito laboral, produciendo una ruptura y/o lesión del sistema de relaciones sociales (Buendía, 1990(Buendía, , 2010Córdoba et al, 2014;Fielden y Davidson, 1998;Roberts et al, 1997;Villardón et al, 2011). En este sentido, numerosas investigaciones muestran que las personas desempleadas se perciben a sí mismas con un apoyo social de peor calidad en comparación con quienes siguen trabajando (Fielden y Davidson 1998;Roberts et al, 1997;Schliebner y Peregoy, 1994 …”