U.S. foreclosures drive up suicide rate,
study finds
The
recent U.S. foreclosure crisis contributed significantly to the nation's jump
in suicides, independent of other economic factors associated with the Great
Recession, according to a study by Dartmouth and Purdue professors publishing
Monday.
The
study, publishing in the June issue of the American Journal of Public
Health and available online now, is the first to ever show a
correlation between foreclosure and suicide rates.
The
authors analyzed state-level foreclosure and suicide rates from 2005 to 2010.
During that period, the U.S. suicide rate increased nearly 13 percent, and
annual home foreclosures hit a record 2.9 million (in 2010).
"It seems that foreclosures affect suicide rates in two ways," said co-author Jason Houle, assistant professor of sociology at Dartmouth College. "The loss of a home clearly impacts individuals and families, and can arouse feelings of loss, shame, or regret. At the same time, rising foreclosure rates affect entire communities because they're associated with a number of community level resources and stresses, including an increase in crime, abandoned homes, and a sense of insecurity."
The
effects of foreclosures on suicides were strongest among adults 46 to 64 years
old, who also experienced the highest increase in suicide rates during the
recessionary period.
"Foreclosures
are a unique suicide risk among the middle-aged," Houle said.
"Middle-aged adults are more likely to own homes and have a higher risk of
home foreclosure. They're also nearing retirement age, so losing assets at that
stage in life is likely to have a profound effect on mental health and
well-being."
Houle's
co-author is Michael Light, assistant professor of sociology at Purdue University.
While
other studies have shown links between economic cycles and suicide rates, this
is the first to look specifically at foreclosures.
Story Source:
The
above story is based on materials provided by Dartmouth College. Note:
Materials may be edited for content and length.
Journal Reference:
1.
Jason N. Houle,
Michael T. Light. The Home Foreclosure Crisis and Rising Suicide Rates,
2005 to 2010. American Journal of Public Health, 2014; 104 (6):
1073 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301774
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Dartmouth College. "U.S. foreclosures drive up suicide
rate, study finds." Science
Daily, 16 May 2014.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140516110957.htm>.