Risk factors for suicidal ideation among survivors of suicide loss using a psychological support hotline

Suicide of a loved one significantly affects the physical and mental well-being of close friends and family members, potentially escalating to suicidal ideation in severe cases. Suicidal ideation among survivors of suicide loss is influenced by a multitude of factors. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among survivors of suicide loss utilizing a psychological support hotline.

This study included calls identified as survivors of suicide loss from the Beijing Psychological Support Hotline between 2009 and 2023 and evaluated the suicidal ideation of callers. General demographic data and common risk factors of survivors of suicide loss were collected. A comparison was conducted between survivors of suicide loss with and without suicidal ideation. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for suicidal ideation among survivors of suicide loss. Finally, we evaluated both multiplicative and additive interactions among the risk factors.

Among the 308 calls from survivors of suicide loss, 174 (56.5%) exhibited suicidal ideation. Survivors who had experienced chronic negative life events (P=0.019), severe depression (P =0.010), or high levels of hopelessness (P=0.008) were more likely to develop suicidal ideation. The interaction between depression severity and hopelessness was additive, resulting in a 14.56-fold increase in the risk of developing suicidal ideation when both factors are present compared to their absence.

In the context of psychological support, chronic life events, high levels of hopelessness, and severe depression are risk factors for suicidal ideation among survivors of suicide loss. Moreover, hopelessness and depression demonstrate an additive interaction effect, substantially increasing the risk of suicidal ideation.