Suicide a Social Phenomenon
Suicide a Social Phenomenon
Renita McBath
Sociology 100
University of Phoenix
Dr. Leslie Brougham
May 13, 2010
Suicide a Social Phenomenon
Suicide has quickly become a social phenomenon. As much as this is hidden from news reports and other public media, this phenomenon is a reality. Here are a few startling statistics from 2005: Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for all Americans; Homicide ranks 13th. More people die from suicide than from homicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 year olds (1st = accidents, 2nd = homicide). Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 25-34 year olds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. More males die from suicide than females (4 male deaths by suicide for each female death by suicide). (Caruso, 2005) To obtain accurate numbers for 2010 and understand why this has become an epidemic, research must be conducted. Possible methods could include conducting focus groups and interviews of key professionals that have come in direct contact with suicide victims and suicidal people. Key professionals could include emergency room physicians and paramedics, psychologists and psychiatrics, and genetic scientists. Interviewing family members of suicide victims may not be as productive.
Emergency Room Physicians and Paramedics
This group could effectively contribute to research based on actual accounts of victims not just contemplating the action but actually taken the step to harm themselves. These professionals could possibly provide information from the victims prospective. If the victim survives or has last words, they may share their true feelings or explanations to the physician because of the nonbiased relationship; unlike sharing with a psychologist or family member. Thus, revealing a more truthful or accurate amount of information into reasoning or causes of such actions.
Paramedics
Renita McBath
Sociology 100
University of Phoenix
Dr. Leslie Brougham
May 13, 2010
Suicide a Social Phenomenon
Suicide has quickly become a social phenomenon. As much as this is hidden from news reports and other public media, this phenomenon is a reality. Here are a few startling statistics from 2005: Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for all Americans; Homicide ranks 13th. More people die from suicide than from homicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24 year olds (1st = accidents, 2nd = homicide). Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 25-34 year olds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. More males die from suicide than females (4 male deaths by suicide for each female death by suicide). (Caruso, 2005) To obtain accurate numbers for 2010 and understand why this has become an epidemic, research must be conducted. Possible methods could include conducting focus groups and interviews of key professionals that have come in direct contact with suicide victims and suicidal people. Key professionals could include emergency room physicians and paramedics, psychologists and psychiatrics, and genetic scientists. Interviewing family members of suicide victims may not be as productive.
Emergency Room Physicians and Paramedics
This group could effectively contribute to research based on actual accounts of victims not just contemplating the action but actually taken the step to harm themselves. These professionals could possibly provide information from the victims prospective. If the victim survives or has last words, they may share their true feelings or explanations to the physician because of the nonbiased relationship; unlike sharing with a psychologist or family member. Thus, revealing a more truthful or accurate amount of information into reasoning or causes of such actions.
Paramedics
References: Caruso, K. (2005). Suicide Prevention, Awareness and Support. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from Suicide. Org: www.suicide.org/suicide-statistics.html Kleiner, A. (n.d.). How not to commit suicide. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from Art Kleiner: Suicide: www.well.com/~art/suicidepge4.html Nauert PhD, R. (2010, February 10). Suicide Risk Among Depressed Influenced by Genetics. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from Psych Central: www.psyhcentral.com