The clustering and contagion of suicide

Journal/Book: Curr Directions Psychol Sci. 1999; 8: 40 West 20Th Street, New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Cambridge Univ Press. 89-92.

Abstract: Two general types of suicide cluster have been discussed in the literature; roughly, these can be classified as mass clusters and point clusters. Mass clusters are media related, and the evidence for them is equivocal; point clusters are local phenomena, and these do appear to occur. Contagion has not been conceptually well developed nor empirically well supported as an explanation for suicide clusters. An alternative explanation for why suicides sometimes cluster is articulated: People who are vulnerable to suicide may cluster well before the occurrence of any overt suicidal stimulus, and when they experience severe negative events, including but not limited to the suicidal behavior of one member of the cluster, al members of the cluster are at increased risk for suicidality (a risk that may be offset by good social support).

Note: Article Joiner TE, Florida State Univ, Dept Psychol, Tallahassee,FL 32306 USA

Keyword(s): suicide clusters; suicide contagion; TELEVISION-NEWS STORIES; TEENAGE SUICIDES; FILMS

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