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Seasonal variation in suicide and homicide: a question of consistency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Charles W. Warren ,
Jack C. Smith  and
Carl W. Tyler
Charles W. Warren
Affiliation:
Center for Health Promotion and Education, Centers for Disease Control, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, USA
Jack C. Smith
Affiliation:
Center for Health Promotion and Education, Centers for Disease Control, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, USA
Carl W. Tyler
Affiliation:
Center for Health Promotion and Education, Centers for Disease Control, US Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, USA
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Summary

Seasonal or monthly fluctuations in suicides and homicides were analysed using US mortality data for the years 1969–78, using periodic regression analysis. The results were generally consistent (year-to-year) over the 10-year period. The pattern for suicide was distinctly seasonal: it was above average all spring and below average all winter. For homicides, the pattern was more monthly, with July–September and December being above average times and January–June being below average.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 15 , Issue 3 , July 1983 , pp. 349 - 356
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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