The clustering and contagion of suicide

Two general types of suicide cluster have been discussed in the literature; roughly, these can be classified as mass clusters and point clusters. Mass clusters are media related, and the evidence for them is equivocal; point clusters are local phenomena, and these do appear to occur. Contagion has n ot been conceptually well developed nor empirically well supported as an ex planation for suicide clusters. An alternative explanation for why suicides sometimes cluster is articulated: People who are vulnerable to suicide may cluster well before the occurrence of any overt suicidal stimulus, and whe n they experience severe negative events, including but not limited to the suicidal behavior of one member of the cluster, al members of the cluster a re at increased risk for suicidality (a risk that may be offset by good soc ial support).