A new research suggests that recent U.S. foreclosure crisis contributed greatly to the rise in suicides.
Researchers Jason Houle and Michael Light, Light, assistant professors of sociology at Purdue University.
at the Dartmouth and Purdue studied the state-level foreclosure and suicide rates between 2005 and 2010. During this time frame, suicide rates in America increased nearly 13 percent, and annual home foreclosures hit a record 2.9 million (in 2010).
Moreover, strong effects were seen among the adults aged between 46 and 64 years of age. The same group also had high suicide rates after the foreclosures.
"It seems that foreclosures affect suicide rates in two ways," said co-author Houle. "The loss of a home clearly impacts individuals and families, and can arouse feelings of loss, shame, or regret. At the same time, rising foreclosure rates affect entire communities because they're associated with a number of community level resources and stresses, including an increase in crime, abandoned homes, and a sense of insecurity."
"Foreclosures are a unique suicide risk among the middle-aged," Houle said. "Middle-aged adults are more likely to own homes and have a higher risk of home foreclosure. They're also nearing retirement age, so losing assets at that stage in life is likely to have a profound effect on mental health and well-being."
Past researches have shows association between economic cycles and suicide rates. However, this is the first to look specifically at foreclosures.
The study is published in the June issue of the 'American Journal of Public Health'.
