Attitudes toward the unification of Western Europe and cross-national suicide rates: eight European countries, 1973-1990.
Durkheim's (1897/1951) theory of political integration argues that when political crises occur, individuals band together to solve the problem at hand. As a result, this increased integration yields lower suicide rates. The purpose of this analysis is to examine a different component of the concept of political integration-that of attitudes. During the past couple of decades, individuals in eight Western European countries have been asked about their attitudes toward the unification of Western Europe. Cross-sectional time series analysis reveals that the attitudes individuals hold toward such an event are significantly related to suicide rates. Although Durkheim's theory of political integration focuses on events within a given country, the research herein finds that political integration exists on an international level as well. A reformulation of Durkheim's theory of political integration is put forth.
Fernquist
R M
RM
Central Missouri State University, Department of Sociology and Social Work, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001290:Attitude; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014944:World Health Organization