Citation

O'Connor M, Dooley B, Fitzgerald A. Arch. Suicide Res. 2014; 19(1): 1-16.

Affiliation

School of Psychology, University College Dublin , Belfield , Dublin , Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2014.915775

PMID

25058873

Abstract

Suicide is a key concern among young adults. The aim of the study was to (i) construct a suicide risk index (SRI) based on demographic, situational, and behavioral factors known to be linked to suicidal behavior and (ii) investigate whether the association between the SRI and suicidal behavior was mediated by proximal processes (personal factors, coping strategies, and emotional states). Participants consisted of 7,558 individuals aged 17-25 years (M = 20.35, SD = 1.91). Nearly 22% (n = 1,542) reported self-harm and 7% (n = 499) had attempted suicide. Mediation analysis revealed both a direct effect (ß = .299, 95% CI = [.281,.317], p < .001), and a mediated effect (ß = .204, 95% CI = [.186,.222], p < .001), between the risk index and suicidal behavior. The strongest mediators were levels of self-esteem, depression, and avoidant coping. Interventions to increase self-esteem, reduce depression, and encourage adaptive coping strategies may prevent suicidal behavior in young people.

Language: en