SUICIDE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

The public image of rural areas being characterized by social stabilit y, integration, and supportive interpersonal networks has been challen ged with recent evidence showing a large increase in the suicide rate in these areas. increases have been reported for a number of European countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, and Ireland. This pape r reviews the evidence relating to those groups at risk of suicide. Th e group at most risk of committing suicide in rural areas is males bet ween the ages of 25 and 60, who are unemployed and live alone, and who have a history of psychological disturbance. These findings are discu ssed in relation to the psychological implications of socio-economic c hanges brought about by changes in the Common Agriculture Policy of th e European Community.