The
motivating factors of suicide seem to be moving targets. It varies by age,
race, gender, mental status, socioeconomical situations, number of friends,
closeness to family, biology, and the list could go on and on. Determining what
accounts for the variance in suicide rates between countries seems to be just
as elusive as determining why they happen at all.
Some
of the conclusions drawn from the research based on the discussion question are
quite interesting, and some are mind-numbing at best.
Comer
(2013) states that his book uses more ink on the subject of suicide based on a
sociocultural model than any other particular subject he writes about. The
textbook gives broad coverage to the subject, but seems to lack substantial
depth.
One
of the most interesting factors discovered while researching this topic was how
age varies based on the economical development of the country (Girard, 1993). The
suicide rates in men, in just about every country examined, increases with age.
However, the fascinating issue in this area is the correlation of the age of
the women and economic development. In wealthy nations, suicide rates among
women peak in middle age. When looking at the poorer nations, suicide rates
were higher for the elderly women. The most interesting fact came from the
poorest nations. Among these nations you can find that the peak years of
suicide shifts to the younger women. I had assumed, prior to reading that there
would be a strong negative correlation, but it turned out quite different.
In another
interesting finding Lester (1987) hypothesized about a biological correlation
relating a cultures tendency toward suicide. He suggested, based on his
research, that the higher the number of people having Type O correlated to
lower suicide rates.
Finally,
there seems to be some very interesting information regarding suicide, but the
downside is that there is anything to write about in the first place.
The
common thread that seems to run throughout the pages that discuss suicide, and
throughout the lives ended by suicide, appears to be connected to hope. It is
sad that the only option some people believe they have when hope seems lost is
suicide. They need to know the love of God, and understand that God, “Now to
Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work
within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over
and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest
prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” (Ephesians 3:20, AMP).
The
Prophet Isaiah confirms this as well, “You will guard him and keep him in
perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character]
is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes
confidently in You.
So
trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in
Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]”
(Isaiah 26:3-4, AMP).
Could
life ever be so tough for you that suicide might be considered an option?
References
Comer, R. J. (2013). Abnormal
Psychology (8th Edition). New York: Worth Publishers.
Girard C. Age, gender, and suicide.
American Sociological Review, 58: 553-574, 1993.
Lester
D. National distribution of blood groups, personal violence (suicide and
homicide), and national character. Personality & Individual Differences, 8:
575-576, 1987.
