Citation

Gordon C, Berk M. S. Afr. Psych. Rev. 2003; 6(3): 24-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, In House Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To correlate geomagnetic storm activity with suicide rates.

DESIGN: A retrospective analysis over a 13 year period, Janaury 1980 to December 1992. Setting: Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (data on geomagnetic storm activity), South African Central Statistical Services (data on suicide rates). Subjects: Nil. Outcome measures: Geomagnetic storm activity and suicide rates.

RESULTS: A significant correlation (r=0,6964 ; p<0,01) was found between the mean total of suicides and the mean average of storm activity during the same period. This correlation was true of both male (r=0,6301 ; p<0,025) and female (r=0,7544 ; p<0,005) suicides.

CONCLUSIONS: Geomagnetic storm activity is correlated with suicide, and confirms previous research suggesting an impact of ambient magnetic field activity on behavior.

Language: en

Keywords

Behaviour; Depression; Suicide; Geomagnetic; Magnetic