Are elite cricketers more prone to suicide? A psychological autopsy study of Test cricketer suicides. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Ajit; Sava-Shah, Shrenik; Wijeratne, Chanaka; Draper, Brian
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 24:Number 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: suicide -- sport -- cricket; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856216641311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: It has been hypothesised that the very nature of the game predisposes elite cricketers to higher rates of suicide. Aim: We aim to estimate the suicide rate of male Test cricketers and to determine the reasons for suicide. Methods: The suicide rate in male Test cricketers was determined. A psychological autopsy was conducted using published biographical data. Results: Twenty suicides amongst 2794 male Test cricketers from 1877 to 2014 yielded a suicide rate of 715.4 per 100, 000 for that period. Health, financial and relationship issues were prominent; depression and alcohol misuse were common. Conclusions: Most suicides in Test cricketers occurred post-retirement in mid to late life with similar correlates to those found in the general male population. The idiosyncrasies of cricket are unlikely to contribute to suicide; however, the post-retirement welfare of Test cricketers should remain a focus of concern and the greater supports available to contemporary Test cricketers needs to extend beyond retirement.