Dr. Bill Nugent, professor at the UT College of Social Work, and former BSSW, now MSSW student Jaydah Lee recently published an article titled “The Relationship Between Violent Political Rhetoric and Suicide Rates” in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Their research explores how violent political rhetoric (VPR) may contribute to increased suicide rates in the United States, with the Southern region showing the strongest connection.
The study found that, even when accounting for factors like gun ownership, unemployment, and temperature, VPR remained linked to higher suicide rates, especially among vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals. The authors suggest that VPR can heighten stress, anxiety, and depression in targeted groups, leading to mental health challenges and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Vicarious trauma, experienced through news or social media coverage of VPR-related violence may also increase mental health risks.
Nugent and Lee call for social workers and mental health professionals to be attentive to the
potential impacts of VPR on clients, particularly those from marginalized communities. They also recommend collaboration between social workers, communication experts, and other
professionals to develop programs aimed at reducing the negative effects of violent rhetoric on
mental health.
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