Suicides in Wellington 1986-1995

Abstract

The increasing rate of suicide in New Zealand, particularly among the young, has attracted considerable attention. The present study identifies and examines trends in the Wellington suicide population between 1986 and 1995. This study set out to define the Wellington suicide population through establishment of an extensive database. A number of risk factors were identified, and trends were established over time. The relationship between risk factors and choice of method was examined. It was hypothesised that twenty choice structuring properties suggested by Cornish and Clarke (1989) would differentially correlate with methods of suicide. Data was gathered on all suicides in the Wellington coronial region from 1986 to 1995. Information on a total of 455 cases was collected, including 339 men and 116 women. Sixty-six variables were gathered for each subject from the information available in coroner's reports, and were subsequently entered onto a single computer database. A number of significant relationships were found between risk factors and choice of suicide method. Results show choice structuring properties are best described by a two factor solution. This indicates that considerations of individuals choosing a method for suicide are based around concerns about physical consequences and location of the body.