Violent Death in the West: Suicide and Homicide in New Mexico, 1958–1987

Thomas M. Becker, Jonathan M. Samet, Charles L. Wiggins, Charles R. Key

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We examined New Mexico vital statistics data for suicides and homicides among the state's Hispanics, Native Americans, and non‐Hispanic whites collected from 1958 to 1987. We found high age‐adjusted rates for both suicides and homicides among Hispanic and Native American males, in comparison with rates for non‐Hispanic white males. Suicide rates among Native American women were comparatively low, contrasting with their high homicide rates. Homicide rates for males in all three ethnic groups increased substantially over the 30‐year study period. We conclude that death from violent causes, both suicide and homicide, is a major public health problem in New Mexico, and disproportionately affects minority males. 1990 The American Association for Suicidology

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)324-334
Number of pages11
JournalSuicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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