Social Psychological Indicators Associated with the Suicide Rate: Replying to the Socioeconomic Hypothesis

Abstract

The Swedish counties manifesting the highest suicide rate, were investigated with regard to social psychological (acknowledgement of social assistance) and socioeconomic indicators (county income, and percentage of population in the lowest and highest income categories). Among these counties, were found the highest percentages of people in the lowest income class and also the highest percentage of households admitting social help. Gotland, having the highest suicide rate among the 24 counties of Sweden, was also the poorest, and in addition exhibited the highest percentage of persons in the lowest income class and the fewest in the highest income class. The findings challenge the socioeconomic hypothesis and suggest anew an association between social psychological strain, low income, and increased suicide rate.