Why suicide is of serious concern in the United States and the problem involved in studying it.

Essay Paper






Soledad Gonzalez






Psychology 2371
Professor Hegar
June 11, 2003





Essay Paper
Chapter 12
Explain why suicide is of serious concern in the United States and the problems involved in studying it.

Studies report that an estimated 31,000 people a year commit suicide in the United States and some argue that the real number is actually 25 to 30 percent higher. Furthermore, for every one person who commits suicide, there are eight to ten people who attempt but do not succeed; earning them the nickname "attempters". These disturbing numbers are enough to make suicide the eighth leading cause of death in the United States for adults and the third leading cause of death for young people ages fifteen to twenty four. The issue has prompted attention from the White House to the Surgeon General because evidence proves these numbers are increasing at a rapid rate. Together the two have constructed a national platform promoting awareness an...