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Alone? Perceived social support and chronic interpersonal difficulties in suicidal elders.

Katrin E Harrison1, Alexandre Y Dombrovski, Jennifer Q Morse

  • 1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.

International Psychogeriatrics
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Summary

Chronic interpersonal difficulties and low social support increase suicide risk in depressed elders. Addressing relationship struggles and enhancing support are crucial for preventing suicidal behavior in this vulnerable population.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychiatry
  • Social Psychology

Background:

  • Social networks may offer protection against suicidal behavior in depressed elders.
  • Interpersonal conflict can reduce perceived social support, potentially negating protective effects.
  • Investigating chronic interpersonal difficulties and social support is crucial for understanding suicidal behavior in elders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the roles of chronic interpersonal difficulties and perceived social support in depressed elders with and without suicidal ideation or attempts.
  • To determine if low perceived social support mediates the link between interpersonal difficulties and suicidal behavior.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, case-control study involving 106 elders aged 60+ years, divided into suicidal depressed, non-suicidal depressed, and non-depressed groups.
  • Assessment of perceived social support using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL).
  • Evaluation of chronic interpersonal difficulties using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) and analysis via general linear models.

Main Results:

  • Suicidal depressed elders reported significantly lower perceived social support (belonging, tangible, self-esteem) and higher chronic interpersonal difficulties (struggle, hostility) than other groups.
  • Low perceived social support partially explained the association between chronic interpersonal difficulties and suicidal behavior.
  • Specific interpersonal difficulties like struggle against others and interpersonal hostility were prominent in the suicidal depressed group.

Conclusions:

  • Interpersonal struggles and hostility can diminish social support in depressed elders, potentially leading to suicidal ideation or attempts.
  • Depressed elders experiencing chronic interpersonal difficulties require vigilant monitoring for suicidal behavior.
  • Interventions aimed at improving social support and managing interpersonal difficulties may be beneficial for suicide prevention in elderly populations.