Might the COVID-19 pandemic spur increased murder-suicide?. Issue 3 (23rd June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joiner, Thomas E.; Lieberman, Amy; Stanley, Ian H.; Reger, Mark A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aggression, conflict and peace research. Volume 12:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2020-06-23
• Subjects: Public health -- Murder -- COVID-19 -- Suicide -- Coronavirus -- Murder-suicide; Aggressiveness -- Periodicals; Conflict management -- Periodicals; Family violence -- Periodicals; Peace building -- Periodicals; 362.8292
• DOI: 10.1108/JACPR-05-2020-0502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-6599

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted concerns about an increased risk for psychological distress, broadly and suicide mortality, specifically; it is, as yet, unclear if these concerns will be realized, but they are plausible. Design/methodology/approach: The authors demonstrate why researchers, clinicians, policymakers and other public health stakeholders should be vigilant to the potential increases in murder-suicide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been reports of increased gun sales, alcohol sales, intimate partner violence and child neglect/abuse. These factors give one serious pause regarding the potential for murder-suicide, especially in the context of other pandemic-related stressors (e.g. loneliness, economic stress, health anxiety). Originality/value: This paper highlights pandemic-related factors that might spur increased murder-suicide and encourages murder-suicide prevention efforts to take place alongside other pandemic-related public health interventions.