Clustre Suicides

Cluster suicides are multiple suicidal behaviors within a certain timeframe which may occur within a certain location. These are often attributed to the effects of suicide contagions or suicide copycats. The two main classifications of cluster suicides are: mass and point. Mass cluster refers to suicides which have occurred within very close time intervals regardless of location. This is often due to the influence of mass media such as news of celebrities committing suicide. A point cluster pertains to suicides which occur within very close time intervals and/or location. It usually happens within distinct settings such as schools, communities, and hospitals. Studies have shown that teens are especially vulnerable to cluster suicides; hence, extra caution should be observed when sharing suicide stories.