Examination of the Relationship Between Macroeconomic Indicators and Suicide Rate of High-Income Group Countries

Abstract

The research is conducted to examine the relationship between suicide rate and the macroeconomic indicators of high-income countries according to the World Bank income classification. In the research, the independent variables comprise of the economic variables, and the dependent variable is the suicide rate seen in a country. An econometric model with a random effects approach is developed for the effect of the specified independent variables on suicide rate in the population. As a result of the analysis, a 1%increase in the Gini index value may cause an increase of 0.26% in the suicide rate; income distribution disorders directly affect the suicide rate and increase suicide; and a 1% increase in the unemployment level causes 0.02% increase in the suicide rate. In addition, it is stated that there is a negative correlation between income per capita and suicide rate, and a 1% increase in income per capita may cause a 0.10% decrease in the suicide rate. Within the scope of the research, suicide rate, which is an important indicator of society, can be examined in different income groups or in similar income groups within the scope of different variables.