Citation

Seguin M, Beauchamp G, Robert M, Dimambro M, Turecki G. Br. J. Psychiatry 2014; 205(2): 120-126.

Affiliation

Monique Séguin, PhD, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Department of Psychology, Gatineau, Québec, and McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec; Guy Beauchamp, PhD, Marie Robert, PhD, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Department of Psychology, Gatineau, Québec; Mélanie DiMambro, MSc, Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.113.139949

PMID

24809398

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most developmental studies on suicide do not take into account individual variations in suicide trajectories. AIMS: Using a life course approach, this study explores developmental models of suicide trajectories.

METHOD: Two hundred and fourteen suicides were assessed with mixed methods. Statistical analysis using combined discrete-time survival (DTS) and growth mixture modelling (GMM) generated various trajectories, and path analysis (Mplus) identified exogenous and mediating variables associated with these trajectories.

RESULTS: Two groups share common risk factors, and independently of these major risk factors, they have different developmental trajectories: the first group experienced a high burden of adversity and died by suicide in their early 20s; and the second group experienced a somewhat moderate or low burden of adversity before they took their own life. Structural equation modelling identified variables specific to the early suicide trajectory: conduct and behavioural difficulties, social isolation/conflicts mediated by school-related difficulties, the end of a love relationship, and previous suicide attempts.

CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial adversity between 10 and 20 years of age may warrant key periods of intervention.

Language: en