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Suicidal ideation and attitudes toward suicide.
Brandon E Gibb1, Margaret S Andover, Steven R H Beach
1Department of Psychology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA. bgibb@binghamton.edu
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Hopelessness and depression increase suicide risk, but attitudes toward suicide play a key role, especially for men. For men, positive views on suicide amplify the link between depression and suicidal thoughts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
- Suicidology
Background:
- Hopelessness and depression are established risk factors for suicide.
- However, not all individuals experiencing these conditions attempt suicide, indicating other moderating factors exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if college students' attitudes toward suicide moderate the relationship between hopelessness, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation.
- To examine gender differences in this potential moderation effect.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected from 230 college students.
- Statistical analysis to test for moderation effects of attitudes toward suicide.
- Examined the interplay between hopelessness, depressive symptoms, attitudes toward suicide, and suicidal ideation.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis was supported, with attitudes toward suicide moderating the link between hopelessness/depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
- This moderation effect was significant only among male students.
- Among men, hopelessness and depressive symptoms were strongly associated with suicidal ideation only when they held more positive attitudes toward suicide.
Conclusions:
- Attitudes toward suicide are a crucial factor influencing suicidal ideation, particularly in men.
- Understanding an individual's acceptance of suicide is vital for assessing suicide risk in the context of depression and hopelessness.
- Interventions may need to address attitudes toward suicide alongside traditional risk factors.