Ikigai and suicidal ideation in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ikigai i.e., a Japanese concept relating to purpose in life but that is somewhat broader, has been associated with better physical and mental health. However, little is known about its association with suicidality. This study examined the association between ikigai and suicidal ideation in the Japanese general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data were analyzed from 3371 adults aged ≥18 who participated in an online survey in March 2023. Information on ikigai and pandemic-related suicidal ideation was obtained from self-reports. Logistic regression was used to examine associations.

In a fully adjusted analysis, compared to those with ikigai, individuals who did not know if they had ikigai (OR: 1.96, 95 % CI: 1.36-2.82) or did not have ikigai (OR: 2.50, 95 % CI: 1.74-3.57) had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation. In sex- and age-stratified analyses, not having ikigai was associated with significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation in all population subgroups with the highest odds being observed in individuals aged ≥60 (OR: 6.27, 95 % CI: 2.02-19.45).

An absence of ikigai was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should examine the association between ikigai and suicidal behavior as well as explore the potential mechanisms linking ikigai and suicidality.