Examining Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Portuguese Male Inmates.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Prison populations exhibit higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to the general population.
• Limited research exists in Portugal on factors differentiating suicidal thoughts from actions among inmates.
• Understanding the transition from suicidal ideation to attempts is critical for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation in male inmates.
• To examine factors linked to suicide attempts within the same population.
• To identify predictors for the progression from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 411 male inmates from 16 Portuguese prisons (2020-2024).
• Data collection utilized Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q), Predictive Antisocial Spectrum Questionnaire, and Health Risk Behavior Checklist.
• Analysis focused on identifying correlates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and their relationship.

Main Results:

• 29.1% of inmates reported lifetime suicidal ideation; 19.4% had attempted suicide.
• Impulsivity/irresponsibility was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation.
• Social and emotional competencies (self-management, motivation) were protective against suicide attempts.
• Previous self-harm behavior predicted both suicidal ideation and attempts.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight key risk (impulsivity, self-harm) and protective (social-emotional competencies) factors for suicidal behaviors in male inmates.
• Results offer crucial data for developing effective policies and practices to reduce mortality in this vulnerable group.
• The study underscores the importance of addressing the ideation-to-action pathway in prison suicide prevention efforts.