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An economic interpretation of suicide cycles in Japan

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  • W. Michael Cox
  • Jahyeong Koo

Abstract

Suicide rates in Japan have increased dramatically in recent years, making. Japan?s male rate the highest among developed economies. This study revises the standard economic model of suicide to accommodate Japan?s experience, focusing on the change in human capital for the unemployed. We then use the new model and de-trended data to empirically investigate the relationship between the suicide cycle and the unemployment cycle. Unlike previous aggregate time series studies, we find that the relationship between the suicide rate and the unemployment rate is significantly and robustly positive for both males and females even after controlling for several social variables.

Suggested Citation

  • W. Michael Cox & Jahyeong Koo, 2006. "An economic interpretation of suicide cycles in Japan," Working Papers 0603, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:feddwp:0603
    Note: Published as: Koo, Jahyeong and W. Michael Cox (2008), "An Economic Interpretation of Suicide Cycles in Japan," Contemporary Economic Policy 26 (1): 162-174.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Joe & Choi, Yun Jeong & Sawada, Yasuyuki, 2009. "How is suicide different in Japan?," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 21(2), pages 140-150, March.
    2. Ludwig, Jens & Marcotte, Dave E. & Norberg, Karen, 2009. "Anti-depressants and suicide," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(3), pages 659-676, May.

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    Keywords

    Suicide; Human capital; Unemployment;
    All these keywords.

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