The proposition of a positive, nonzero “natural rate” of suicide (Yang&Lester, 1991) for a society is extended by examining time-series, cross-section (panel) data of state suicide rates and socioeconomic factors over the 1985–1995 time period. Statistical allowances are made to control for the majority of observed and unobserved state and time factors affecting suicide rates. Results lend support to the natural rate hypothesis with robust specification.
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