Material hardship and suicidal behavior: Associations among parents and non-parents

Material hardship is unique facet of economic distress and may be a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Parents are more likely to experience both material hardship and suicidal behavior than non-parents. The aims of this study were to (a) examine the association of material hardship with suicidal behavior and (b) assess whether associations differed for parents and non-parents.

We used data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 10,685). We conducted logistic regression to examine the association of one and two or more material hardships at Wave IV with suicidal behavior at Wave V.

Overall, 38.8% of participants reported material hardship at Wave IV and 7.5% reported suicidal ideation or attempts at Wave V. In the total sample, one material hardship (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.20, 2.06) and two or more material hardships (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.04, 2.21) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among parents, two or more material hardships (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.17, 2.94) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among non-parents, one material hardship (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.26, 2.59) was associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior.

Programs and policies aimed at addressing material hardship, particularly accumulating material hardships among parents, may be an effective suicide prevention strategy.