County differentials of age, gender specific Korean suicide rates in 2005 and 2010

• In Event: 4467 - Section on Social Psychology Refereed Roundtables (Cosponsored with Section on Sociology of Emotions)
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 4: Context and Self

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine impacts of differential community level factors impact suicide rate, measuring inequality in ‘abnormality’ of Korean Society. South Korea has been reported to have high suicide rate nationally in all age groups. Census data of mortality statistics in 2005 and 2010 used to calculate community level suicide rate by age groups and gender from all administrative units (246 counties and cities except islands far from costal areas). In general, controlling population density, family security, human capital, living conditions, males had higher suicide rates than females. Males were sensitive to county level marginalities, having higher suicide rate if they live in regions have low family security, human capital and living conditions. Within age groups, elder tend to have stronger association between regional marginal factors than others (youngers, middle ages).
These findings reveal differentials of level of risks of suicide, exposed to individuals in various social contexts. Males and elderly living in marginalized areas committed suicide more frequently than those living in better social infrastructure. The more marginalized individuals suffered from higher risk of abandoning life, one of the worst outcomes they can make. However, interestingly, social network could ameliorate the risk of committing suicide in elderly if they live around peer group. Elderly living in administrative units have higher proportion of elderly had lower suicide rate.

Author

• Jaein Lee, University of Maryland, College Park