A Contextual System Thinking (CTST) Investigation of Recent Rates of Suicides and Governmental Intervention in Spain.

LEVEL 3 OF THE INVESTIGATION

This case study demonstrates the use of the Contextual-Systems-Thinking methodology, which offer 3 different investigative levels. The investigation is about concerning numbers of suicides in Spain and the government’s policy-reaction as reported in a leading national newspaper. The information for this study was taken primarily from a leader article published in the national newspaper ‘El País’ on the 14th of September 2024 on the subject of? unacceptable, high rates of suicides in Spain.

THE INVESTIGATION:

1.???? Selects one or more variables for further investigation.

2.???? Constructs a causal loop diagram of the selected variables.

3.???? Extracts knowledge via an INTRALOOP contextual examination.

4.???? Examines the insight obtained in a wider context to gain a different holistic view.

5.???? Optionally, further investigates aspects employing System Dynamics modelling and simulation.

The variable selected for further investigation in this final part is the ‘Number of Suicides'

CONSTRUCTING A CAUSAL-LOOP-DIAGRAM

This simple causal-loop-diagram is quite sufficient to demonstrate that effective action can be taken by the government to act against a rising trend of suicides. It is not necessary to construct complicated diagrams when a simpler one serves the purpose of illustrating the essence of the situation one wishes to describe. The diagram shows that the number of suicides (represented by the variable on top of the loop) is such that it causes the concern of the? government. This concern leads to the government taking action. The action chosen consists of a policy of investment in healthcare, an implementation of a helpline and the promotion of public discussion to raise awareness of the problem. Together they have an effect of reduce the number of suicides as this balancing feedback loop shows. The diagram confirms that the government is on the right track.

?

INTRALOOP CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATIONS:?

What is the meaning of the

“number of suicides”

in the context of

“government concern”

One can expect that any democratic government pursuing the public good would be concerned? if there is an increase in suicides and suicide attempts. It is quite possible that information of incidence of suicide would be suppressed in a dictatorship.

“number of suicides”

in the context of the

“Implementation of a helpline”

Establishing a helpline is probably the fastest? way to react to achieve a reduction in? the number of suicides.

?

“investment in healthcare”

in the context of the

“number of suicides”

Investment in healthcare will improve public health and help to reduce the number of suicides. However, it will not pay off immediately but in the medium and longer term.

?

“promotion of public discussions on suicides

In the context of the

“number of suicides”

Discussions of the problem of suicides will raise public awareness and reduce the tabu surrounding this subject. It will help to create an environment in which it will be easier and more effective to introduce preventive measures.

?

WIDER CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATION:

What is the meaning of the

“number of suicides”

in the context of

“governmental social policies”

?

WIDER CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CONCLUSION

The wider contextual consideration and the insights gained from the previous phases of this investigation show that governments through the implementation of suitable policies can positively effect and reduce the number of attempted and consumed suicides. There is a range of policies governments can introduce and such policies could be seen as obligatory measures in democracies where public wellbeing is considered to be of primary importance. The prevailing number of suicides should not therefore be passively accepted and? tolerated.? A reduction and stabilisation? of this number is clearly possible as indicated by the balancing nature of the feedback loop. It is commendable that the Spanish government has already started to introduce measures aimed at reducing the prevailing tragedy of too many people taking the lives.

NOTE: Those who wish to learn more about the Contextual Systems Thinking methodology can access it by clicking on this LINK or listen to a podcast on the subject Here.

H.J. Hodann (30-10-2024)