Social dimensions of suicide

In this chapter, the role of socio-cultural factors as economic instability, unemployment, breakdown of family structures, and secularization as the risk factors of suicidal behaviours is described. The interaction between societal structure and the individual operates on many different levels. The ties between the individuals and their social environment, or the lack of such ties, are determinants of their propensity to commit suicide. The degree to which social environment exerts either positive or negative influences over the individual is elucidated in relation to suicidal behaviours. The chapter provides a basic overview of the complex interplay between some social dimensions and suicidality.