The impact of relative cohort size on national suicide trends, 1950-1980: A comparative analysis

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Abstract
While several studies have confirmed that dative cohort size (RCS) influences suicide, presumably through promoting a tight labor markct for youth, these have all been based on the U.S. It is unclear if these results will replicate for other societies. This study tests thc RCS thesis with data from 12 nations. A pled, cross section, time series analysis confirms a positive association between RCS and youth suicide. Further, this relationship is strongest in market economies, weaker in mixed economies, and does not hold for nations with command economies. It is contended that the RCS factor will decline in importance in explaining suicide as labor market conditions can be determined more by central planning.