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

Prison inmates face a significantly higher risk of acting on suicidal thoughts than the general population. However, Portuguese studies distinguishing inmates who think about suicide from those who attempt it remain scarce. Given this ideation-to-action distinction, the current cross-sectional study aimed to examine risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and the transition from one outcome to another.

A total of 411 male inmates (M = 37.94 years, SD = 10.91) from 16 Portuguese prisons participated in the study. Data were collected between 2020 and 2024 using four instruments: (1) Sociodemographic Questionnaire; (2) Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q); (3) Predictive Antisocial Spectrum Questionnaire; and (4) Health Risk Behavior Checklist.

Among the total sample, 29.1% reported a lifetime history of suicidal ideation, and 19.4% had attempted suicide. Impulsivity/irresponsibility emerged as a key risk factor for suicidal ideation, whereas social and emotional competencies of self-management and motivation were protective factors against suicide attempts. Previous self-harm behavior was the only risk factor for both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Our findings provide important insights into risk and protective factors for suicidal behaviors among male inmates, offering key information for policy and practice efforts aimed at reducing mortality in this high-risk population.