Analysis of Official Suicide Statistics in Spain (1910-2011)

Abstract

In this article we examine the evolution of suicide rates in Spain from 1910 to 2011. As something new, we use standardised suicide rates, making them perfectly comparable geographically and in time, as they no longer reflect population structure. Using historical data from a series of socioeconomic variables for all Spain's provinces and applying new techniques for the statistical analysis of panel data, we are able to confirm many of the hypotheses established by Durkheim at the end of the 19th century, especially those related to fertility and marriage rates, age, sex and the aging index. Our findings, however, contradict Durkheim's approach regarding the impact of urbanisation processes and poverty on suicide.