Human aggression and the lunar synodic cycle
Lieber, A.L.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 39(5): 385-392
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-6689 PMID: 641019 Document Number: 128400
Data on 5 aggressive and/or violent human behaviors were examined by computer to determine whether a relationship exists between the lunar synodic cycle and human aggression. Homicides, suicides, fatal traffic accidents, aggravated assaults and psychiatric emergency room visits occurring in Dade County, Florida [USA] all show lunar periodicities. Homicides and aggravated assaults demonstrate statistically significant clustering of cases around full moon. Psychiatric emergency room visits cluster around 1st quarter and show a significantly decreased frequency around new and full moon. The suicide curve shows correlations with both aggravated assaults and fatal traffic accidents, suggesting a self-destructive component for each of these behaviors. The existence of a biological rhythm of human aggression which resonates with the lunar synodic cycle is postulated.