Seasonal variation in suicides re-examined: No sex difference in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Abstract

The seasonal variation in suicides in Hong Kong and Taiwan during the period 1981 to 1993 was examined using harmonic analysis. A single cycle per year with lowest incidence in the winter months was found in both locations and for both sexes. Despite the regional differences in ascertainment procedures and preferred suicide methods, the absence of a biseasonal distribution of female suicides was consistently observed. This finding was contrary to that reported in many Western countries. A non-shared psychosocial process underlying the cross-cultural difference in the seasonality of female suicide is suggested.