Study of an Economic Issue as a Possible Indicator of Suicide Risk: A Discussion of Stock Prices and Suicide

• NCJ Number: 240292
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 783-785
• Author(s): Ken Inoue, M.D., Ph.D.; Tatsushige Fukunaga, M.D., Ph.D.; Yuji Okazaki, M.D.
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the suicide rates of men and women over a 25-year period in Japan.

Abstract

There were more than 30,000 suicides in 1998 in Japan, and since then, the numbers have remained high. In 2009, the number of suicides per a day was c. 90. This phenomenon constitutes a major social problem. One of the major reasons for the rapid increase in the number of suicides appears to be the worsening economic problems. It is therefore necessary to research the relationship between economic issues and suicide. In this study, we examined the relationship between the value of the Nikkei Stock Average and suicide rates in Japan. The value of the Nikkei Stock Average may be related to suicide among men. On the basis of the results, relevant researchers and organizations should understand the factors that relate to suicide to better carry out specific suicide prevention measures. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.