Summary
This study reappraises Lester's (1971) multiple replication of suicide-homicide correlations, which determined that there is no clear pattern of relationship and thus that sociological theory could contribute little to an understanding of suicidal and homicidal behavior. However, additional steps are required to complete Lester's analyses, including (1) correction of time-series calculations for serial correlation, (2) correction of cross-state calculations for nonwhites by removing states with very small nonwhite populations, and (3) correction of crossmarital status calculations by segmenting according to race. With these necessary corrections, there is generally a positive association between suicide and homicide rates in the United States. Subculture of violence and anomie theories of homicide and suicide are strongly supported and can be extended to both forms of behavior. This suggests a general sociological dimension of predisposition to lethal violence.
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Franke, R.H., Thomas, E.W. & Queenen, A.J. Suicide and homicide: Common sources and consistent relationships. Soc Psychiatry 12, 149–156 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00578974
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00578974