ur own, it’s not uncommon in this country. States that have a stronger culture of honor - specifically, Southern and Western states - have higher suicide rates, especially among rural whites, even controlling for deprivation, gun ownership, and medical access. Moreover, depression rates are higher and are strongly correlated with suicide rates in these states. Unfortunately, antidepressant prescriptions are also lower in these states. Individually, both men and women who endorse honor values are more likely to be depressed.
Osterman, L. & Brown, R., “Culture of Honor and Violence against the Self,” Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (forthcoming).
Kevin Lewis is an Ideas columnist. He can be reached at email@example.com.