Predictors and patterns of suicidal ideation disclosures among American adults

When experiencing suicidal thoughts, many individuals do not tell others, making it difficult to ensure suicide prevention resources reach those who need it.

The current study utilizes a large sample of US adults who have experienced suicidal ideation in their lifetime (n = 1074) to examine predictors of disclosures. We also explore who participants disclose to and how helpful these disclosures are rated.

A majority (n = 812, 75.6%) reported disclosing. Black and Hispanic participants were less likely to disclose than White participants. Those who were never married were more likely to disclose, as were those who have attempted suicide. Mental healthcare utilization and favorable attitudes toward mental healthcare were also positive predictors of disclosure. More participants reported disclosing to a personal connection (n = 532, 65.5%) than a mental health professional (n = 282, 34.8%). On average, most sources were rated as neither helpful nor harmful.

The study highlights those who may be at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts but going unidentified. To increase helpfulness of disclosures, suicide prevention programming should emphasize training for laypersons and professionals on how to effectively respond when someone reveals that they are thinking of suicide.