Prevalence and vulnerability for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adults recently bereaved by suicide

Research with longer-term survivors of suicide loss suggests that suicide bereavement is a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB). This study examined the prevalence and correlates of STB among a national sample of adults recently bereaved by suicide (N = 1,132). Nearly one-third (n = 348; 30.7%) reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 14.4% (n = 162) reported past-year suicidal ideation. Multivariate analyses indicated that greater depressive symptoms (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), illicit drug use (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), un- or underemployment (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), witnessing the suicide (β = 0.12, p < 0.001), and not being religiously affiliated (β = -0.11, p < 0.001), among other correlates, were associated with greater STB severity. Findings extend prior research on STB among adults bereaved by suicide and can inform prevention and postvention efforts by emphasizing transdiagnostic assessment and leveraging evidence-based support.