Kataklizmy przyrodnicze a zjawisko samobójstw

This article offers an overview of studies conducted in the United States, Japan and Taiwan regarding the impact of natural disasters on the dynamics of suicides. It additionally includes Polish studies on the impact of the 1997 flood on suicide rates. Consequently, the text discusses extremely diverse societies that have evolved following different cultural patterns. The results of the studies are not conclusive. Some statistical analyses reveal an increase in suicide rates after natural disasters, while others show their numbers to fall among men and/or women. Therefore, the cultural context that shapes the dynamics of suicides in populations struck by a natural disaster seems to be of particular significance. Natural cataclysms cause multiple social and economic problems, which in turn might result in suicides. The issue addressed in the article becomes particularly important in the context of climate change. The proposed measures that are to reduce suicidal behaviours among people in the wake of natural disasters should be carefully considered and developed accordingly, bearing the specific cultural context in mind.