Citation

Segal DL, Lebenson S, Coolidge FL. Clin. Gerontol. 2008; 31(4): 122-132.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07317110802144006

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined predictors of reasons for living among community-dwelling older adults (N = 104, M age = 69.7 years). Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Elders Life Stress Inventory (ELSI), the Life Orientation Test (LOT), and the Reasons for Living Inventory, and also rated their global health status. Standard multiple regression assessed the extent to which age, depression, stress, optimism, and health status predicted total reasons for living. The model explained 12% of the variance in reasons for living (R2 =.12, p.05). Health made the strongest unique and significant contribution to RFL ( = 0.26, p.05) and age approached significance ( = -0.19, p =.055). The GDS, ELSI, and LOT all made minimal and non-significant contributions. An implication is that attention to physical health status should be a standard part of suicide risk assessment, especially among older adults.

RESULTS suggest that reduced quality of life due to poor overall health may erode an individual's protective factors against suicide.

Language: en

Keywords

Prevention; Suicide; Elderly; Disability; Health; Reasons for living