Does the Level of Divorce or Religiosity Make a Difference? Cross-National Suicide Rates in 21 Developed Countries, 1955-1994

Abstract

Durkheim found that, not only do divorce rates significantly impact suicide rates in different countries, but the level of divorce has significant impacts on suicide rates. He further argues that the level of divorce has differential impacts on male and female suicide rates. Current research also suggests that the level of religiosity impacts suicide rates. Using data from 21 developed countries from 1955 to 1994, male and female age-standardized suicide rates are examined in light of the level of divorce and religiosity. Results show that the level of divorce differentially impacts the association between divorce rates and female suicide rates while the level of religiosity differentially impacts the association between religious book production and male suicide rates. Alterations in Durkheim's theory of suicide are needed to account for cross-national suicide rates over the past several decades.