Sorrows of a Century: Interpreting Suicide in New Zealand, 1900-2000 (Volume 40) (McGill-Queens/AMS Healthcare Studies in the History of Medicine, Health, and Society)

An intimate analysis of the motives for suicide, set amidst the crises of the twentieth century. In Sorrows of a Century, John Weaver describes how personal relationships, work, poverty, war, illness, and legal troubles have driven thousands to despair. His study is set in twentieth-century New Zealand where - in spite of high standards of living and a commitment to social welfare - citizens have experienced the profound losses and stresses of the human condition. Focusing on New Zealand because it has the most comprehensive and accessible coroners' records, Weaver analyzes a staggering amount of information to determine the social and cultural factors that contribute to suicide rates. He examines the country's investigations into sudden deaths, places them within the context of major events and societal changes, and turns to witnesses' statements, suicide notes, and medical records to remark on prevention strategies. His extensive survey of twelve thousand cases also provides an insightful assessment of psychiatry and psychology in the last century. In reviewing the motives and methods of suicide, Weaver points out the complications facing deterrence. Moving beyond the timeless present of the social sciences and the irrationality emphasized in psychology, Sorrows of a Century marshals testimony to highlight the historical context and rational conduct behind suicide. Cover Contents Tables, Graphs, and Figures Acknowledgments Preface Introduction 1 Long-Term Perspectives: Chronology, Gender, Life-Course, Ethnicity, and Method 2 Relationships: Sex, Alcohol, and Violence, 1900–80 3 Dark Days and Golden Weather: Despair and Work, 1900–80 4 Life Diminished: Illness and Trauma, 1900–2000 5 Mental Illnesses: Representation and Therapy, 1900–2000 6 The Youth Suicide Panic: Framing a Mental Health Crisis, 1988–96 7 What Is Happening to Our Children? Youth Suicides, 1980–2000 8 Decisions: Impulse and Reason in Historical Time, 1900–2000 Conclusion: History’s Patterns and Prevention’s Obstacles Appendix One: Methodology Appendix Two: Writing Style Notes Bibliography Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y This study describes how relationships, work, poverty, war, illness and legal troubles have driven some to ultimate despair. A moving account of loss and suffering, and an insightful assessment of psychiatry and psychology "Focusing on New Zealand's comprehensive and accessible coroners' records, John Weaver analyzes some twelve thousand cases to determine the social and cultural factors that contribute to suicide rates"--Back cover