SUICIDE IN TAIWAN'S SOCIETY

Abstract

Taiwan is a modern industrialized megalopolis clinging to the fringes of the ancient Chinese culture. This tiny island has evolved from agricultural backwater status to global technological giant over the last few decades. Despite the economic prosperity and democratic reforms, social problems involving suicide additionally emerged, and suicide became one of the top ten major causes of death since 1982. In this paper, we have presented data on the occurrence of suicide in Taiwan between 1986 and 2007. We have explored the socio-cultural, religious and economic elements associated with suicide in Taiwan's society. We have also outlined certain measures to minimize the occurrence of suicide in Taiwan in the near future.