A research team led by Professor Myung Ki from the Department of Preventive Medicine at Korea University College of Medicine (KUCM) recently published a study examining the link between education levels and suicide rates. The study found that among young men aged 30 to 44 whose highest level of education was elementary school or lower, the suicide rate was 6.1 to 13 times higher than that of men with a university or higher degree across all survey periods (1995–2020). These findings highlight the profound impact of socioeconomic disparities on suicide rates.
In particular, the suicide rate per 100,000 people for men aged 30-44 with a primary school education or less was 288.2 in 2015 and 251.4 in 2020. This is nearly ten times the national average suicide rate of 27.3 in South Korea. It also far exceeds the suicide rate in Nunavut, Canada—home to the Inuit community, which has one of the highest suicide rates in the world—and surpasses the rate of 232 among the Guarani Kaiowa people in the Brazilian Amazon.
The study concludes that suicide rates in South Korea vary significantly by social class, with the lowest education levels corresponding to the highest suicide rates. This pattern aligns with the “deaths of despair” theory proposed by Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton, which suggests that despair stemming from economic hardship and social disadvantage can drive individuals to suicide. The research highlights that suicide is not merely a personal issue but a consequence of deep-rooted social inequalities and emotional distress tied to class differences.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Professor Ki of KUCM emphasized that suicide should not be seen solely as an individual mental health issue but as a broader social problem influenced by economic disparities. He stressed that without proper support systems, social and economic disadvantages can become a stigma of failure, leading to severe psychological distress. Effective suicide prevention policies should take a comprehensive approach, addressing both social crises—such as poverty and rental fraud—and mental health concerns together, rather than handling them separately. A comprehensive approach that considers social vulnerability is essential to reducing the suicide inequalities and strengthening South Korea’s social safety net.
Professor Ki also noted that while South Korea has expanded psychological support programs, such as the “National Mind Investment & Support Project,” more robust administrative measures are needed to tackle the social factors contributing to suicide. He added, “Active policies that account for social vulnerability are key to suicide prevention. It is crucial that these efforts are recognized as acts of social respect and care for those who are most vulnerable.”
The study’s findings were published in the prestigious journal Social Science & Medicine under the title “Changes in suicide inequalities in the context of an increase and a decrease in suicide mortality: The case of South Korea, 1995-2020.”
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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