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The light of life: The effects of sunlight on suicide

Author

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  • Tanaka, Shinsuke
  • Matsubayashi, Tetsuya

Abstract

This study examines the causal effects of sunlight exposure on suicide rates. Leveraging county-month-year data on solar insolation and suicide rates in the U.S. from 1979 to 2004, we provide first robust evidence that insufficient sunlight increases suicide rates. We also find that insufficient sunlight increases Google searches containing depressive language, suggesting a potential adverse impact on mental well-being. Importantly, our findings favor a biological pathway over alternative mechanisms. The estimated effect of sunlight on suicide, often exceeding other interventions in magnitude, sheds new light on sunlight as a significant risk factor in suicide incidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Tanaka, Shinsuke & Matsubayashi, Tetsuya, 2025. "The light of life: The effects of sunlight on suicide," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:99:y:2025:i:c:s0167629624000924
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102947
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Suicide; Mental health; Sunlight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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