Citation

Voracek M, Sonneck G. Arch. Suicide Res. 1999; 5(2): 125-139.

Affiliation

Sonneck, G., Department of Medical Psychology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811119908258323

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous studies frequently reported seasonality phenomena and other temporal variations following smaller cycles for suicide and parasuicide, as well as associations with environmental factors, such as weather conditions. This study was conducted in order to determine temporal variation in telephonic service utilization in a crisis intervention centre as well as its relationship to environmental factors (biometeorological conditions, lunar phases). Statistically significant temporal variations in number of telephonic calls on several cyclical lengths, tracing some well-known patterns in suicide statistics, could be revealed. Modest evidence of differential telephonic service utilization in relation to the local biometeorological situation the same day appeared (not reaching statistical significance). The results confirm the 'broken promise'-effect, an explanation originally proposed for temporal variations in suicide statistics, for utilization of a telephonic crisis intervention service, too. Further research on biometeorological effects on utilization should be encouraged.