Dissertation

Who Feels the Shock? The Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Suicide Ratesacross Age and Gender in Sweden

Lindgren, Emma

2025

Overview

Suicide is a serious public health issue, with clear differences across gender and age. In Sweden, progress in reducing suicide rates has been limited, particularly among younger individuals. While unemployment and broader economic conditions are well-established risk factors, the potential role of economic uncertainty has received relatively little attention. This thesis examines whether short-term economic uncertainty is associated with suicide rates in Sweden, and whether these associations differ by age and gender. A time series framework is employed using monthly data on suicide from 1997 to 2024, broken down by gender and age group. Economic uncertainty is measured using the Swedish Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) Index, along with the OMXS30 stock market index and household sentiment indicator. The results indicate a positive association between EPU and suicide among young men (0–34), and a negative association among older men (65+), though the latter may partly reflect a long-term downward trend. No clear patterns are found for women. One explanation is that younger people face greater life-stage insecurity, while men are less likely to seek support, often lacking strong social safety nets. These findings suggest that economic uncertainty affects mental health differently across groups, providing an important insight into how macroeconomic shocks influence public health.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Gender / Public health / Suicides & suicide attempts / Uncertainty