Citation

Milner A, McClure RJ, Sun J, De Leo D. Health Place 2011; 17(4): 996-1003.

Affiliation

Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4011, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.healthplace.2011.03.002

PMID

21570334

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Globalisation is mediated through a variety of flows including persons, information and ideas, capital, and goods. The process is increasingly recognised as a potential mediator of changes in attitudes and habits around the globe. AIM: This research investigated the relationship between globalisation and suicide rates in 35 countries over the period 1980-2006. METHODS: The association between a globalisation "index" and suicide rates was tested using a fixed-effects regression model. The model also tested the influence of eleven other socio-economic variables on male and female suicide rates. RESULTS: Overall, high levels of the globalisation index were associated with higher male and female suicide rates; however, the significance of this association dropped when assessed alongside other social and economic variables. CONCLUSIONS: While the nature of these findings should be regarded as exploratory, this paper highlights the need for researchers to consider the influence of world-changing phenomena like globalisation on suicide, which might deeply upset the traditional structure of societies with mixed types of impact.

Language: en