How Many People Are Exposed to Suicide? Not Six

Julie Cerel, Margaret M. Brown, Myfanwy Maple, Michael Singleton, Judy van de Venne, Melinda Moore, Chris Flaherty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

271 Scopus citations

Abstract

It has long been stated that six people are left behind following every suicide. Despite a lack of empirical evidence, this has been extensively cited for over 30 years. Using data from a random-digit dial survey, a more accurate number of people exposed to each suicide is calculated. A sample of 1,736 adults included 812 lifetime suicide-exposed respondents who reported age and number of exposures. Each suicide resulted in 135 people exposed (knew the person). Each suicide affects a large circle of people, who may be in need of clinician services or support following exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)529-534
Number of pages6
JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 The American Association of Suicidology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Cite this