Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of suicide in Italy and Portugal, two Southern European countries with aging populations and shared sociocultural traits. Despite their geographical and historical similarities, Portugal exhibits a significantly higher suicide rate (8.95 per 100,000 inhabitants) compared to Italy (5.85). The analysis draws on Durkheim’s classical theories of social cohesion and modern indicators such as healthcare quality, mental health prevalence, and economic conditions to explore this disparity. Key findings reveal that: Aging populations in both countries correlate with higher suicide rates among the elderly, exacerbated by isolation and chronic illness. Mental health disparities: Portugal reports double the depression rates of Italy (10.1% vs. 4.3%), aligning with its higher suicide incidence. Healthcare perception: Despite similar underfunded welfare systems, Italians perceive their healthcare more positively, potentially mitigating suicide risks. Cultural-religious factors: Strong Catholic traditions in both nations historically deter suicide, but Portugal’s weaker social cohesion and economic vulnerabilities may offset this effect. The study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions and stronger social support networks, particularly for the elderly. It also underscores the limitations of cross-national comparisons due to unmeasured variables like stigma and data collection methods.