Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Suicide Attempts: A Qualitative Study Among Hospitalized Patients in...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Suicidal behavior is a complex issue with multifactorial causes.
• Understanding lived experiences is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors contributing to suicidal behavior.
• To gather insights from individuals with lived experience of suicide attempts on prevention resources.
• To explore clinical, psychosocial, and family-based prevention opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) applied to data from 12 individuals who attempted suicide.
• Purposive sampling of participants admitted to a hospital following suicide attempts.

Main Results:

• Three emergent themes: individual, environmental, and relational factors.
• Risk factors include irrational beliefs, negative emotions, financial difficulties, lack of social support, betrayal, and violence.
• Protective factors identified: emotional regulation, religious beliefs, medication adherence, social support, and family commitment.

Conclusions:

• Religious beliefs, social support, and family connectedness are significant protective factors against suicidal thoughts.
• Lived experiences offer unique insights into prevention, emphasizing strengthened family and social support.
• Qualitative data complements quantitative approaches in understanding suicidal behavior.