scholarly journals Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Their Associations With Transitional Life Events in Men and Women: Findings From an International Web-Based Sample

10.2196/18383 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e18383
Author(s):  
Alyssa Clare Milton ◽  
Tracey A Davenport ◽  
Frank Iorfino ◽  
Anna Flego ◽  
Jane M Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Past ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Background Although numerous studies have demonstrated sex differences in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB), there is a clear lack of research examining the similarities and differences between men and women in terms of the relationship between STB, transitional life events, and the coping strategies employed after experiencing such events when they are perceived as stressful. Objective This study aims to examine the differences between men’s and women’s experiences of STB, sociodemographic predictors of STB, and how coping responses after experiencing a stressful transitional life event predict STB. Methods A web-based self-report survey was used to assess the health and well-being of a voluntary community-based sample of men and women aged 16 years and older, living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who were recruited using web-based social media promotion and snowballing. Results In total, 10,765 eligible web-based respondents participated. Compared with men, a significantly greater proportion of women reported STB (P<.001) and endorsed experiencing a transitional life event as stressful (P<.001). However, there were no gender differences in reporting that the transitional life event or events was stressful for those who also reported STB. Significant sociodemographic adjusted risk factors of STB included younger age; identifying as a sexual minority; lower subjective social connectedness; lower subjective intimate bonds; experiencing a stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months; living alone (women only); not being in employment, education, or training (women only); suddenly or unexpectedly losing a job (men only); and experiencing a relationship breakdown (men only). Protective factors included starting a new job, retiring, having a language background other than English, and becoming a parent for the first time (men only). The results relating to coping after experiencing a self-reported stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months found that regardless of sex, respondents who reported STB compared with those who did not were less likely to engage in activities that promote social connections, such as talking about their feelings (P<.001). Coping strategies significantly explained 19.0% of the STB variance for men (F16,1027=14.64; P<.001) and 22.0% for women (F16,1977=36.45; P<.001). Conclusions This research highlights multiple risk factors for STB, one of which includes experiencing at least one stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months. When individuals are experiencing such events, support from services and the community alike should consider using sex-specific or targeted strategies, as this research indicates that compared with women, more men do nothing when experiencing stress after a transitional life event and may be waiting until they experience STB to engage with their social networks for support.

scholarly journals Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Their Associations With Transitional Life Events in Men and Women: Findings From an International Web-Based Sample (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa Clare Milton ◽  
Tracey A Davenport ◽  
Frank Iorfino ◽  
Anna Flego ◽  
Jane M Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Past ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

BACKGROUND Although numerous studies have demonstrated sex differences in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB), there is a clear lack of research examining the similarities and differences between men and women in terms of the relationship between STB, transitional life events, and the coping strategies employed after experiencing such events when they are perceived as stressful. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the differences between men’s and women’s experiences of STB, sociodemographic predictors of STB, and how coping responses after experiencing a stressful transitional life event predict STB. METHODS A web-based self-report survey was used to assess the health and well-being of a voluntary community-based sample of men and women aged 16 years and older, living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who were recruited using web-based social media promotion and snowballing. RESULTS In total, 10,765 eligible web-based respondents participated. Compared with men, a significantly greater proportion of women reported STB (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) and endorsed experiencing a transitional life event as stressful (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). However, there were no gender differences in reporting that the transitional life event or events was stressful for those who also reported STB. Significant sociodemographic adjusted risk factors of STB included younger age; identifying as a sexual minority; lower subjective social connectedness; lower subjective intimate bonds; experiencing a stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months; living alone (women only); not being in employment, education, or training (women only); suddenly or unexpectedly losing a job (men only); and experiencing a relationship breakdown (men only). Protective factors included starting a new job, retiring, having a language background other than English, and becoming a parent for the first time (men only). The results relating to coping after experiencing a self-reported stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months found that regardless of sex, respondents who reported STB compared with those who did not were less likely to engage in activities that promote social connections, such as talking about their feelings (<i>P&lt;</i>.001). Coping strategies significantly explained 19.0% of the STB variance for men (<i>F</i><sub>16,1027</sub>=14.64; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and 22.0% for women (<i>F</i><sub>16,1977</sub>=36.45; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS This research highlights multiple risk factors for STB, one of which includes experiencing at least one stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months. When individuals are experiencing such events, support from services and the community alike should consider using sex-specific or targeted strategies, as this research indicates that compared with women, more men <i>do nothing</i> when experiencing stress after a transitional life event and may be waiting until they experience STB to engage with their social networks for support.

scholarly journals Anxiety and its disorders as risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A meta-analytic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 30-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate H. Bentley ◽  
Joseph C. Franklin ◽  
Jessica D. Ribeiro ◽  
Evan M. Kleiman ◽  
Kathryn R. Fox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A meta-analysis of 50 years of research.

2017 ◽  
Vol 143 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph C. Franklin ◽  
Jessica D. Ribeiro ◽  
Kathryn R. Fox ◽  
Kate H. Bentley ◽  
Evan M. Kleiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Are Eating Disorders and Related Symptoms Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors? A Meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
April R. Smith ◽  
Elizabeth A. Velkoff ◽  
Jessica D. Ribeiro ◽  
Joseph Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

scholarly journals Prospective Study of Major Loss Life Events and Risk for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 436-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie S. Daniel ◽  
David B. Goldston ◽  
Alaattin Erkanli ◽  
Nicole Heilbron ◽  
Joseph C. Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Major Loss ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Suicide Following Trauma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika M. Roberge ◽  
Feea R. Leifker ◽  
Shelby N. Baker ◽  
David C. Rozek ◽  
Craig J. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. About 9 percent of adults will experience serious suicide ideation in their lifetimes, but many fewer will go on to make a suicide attempt or die by suicide. Therefore, identification of who is likely to transition from suicidal thoughts to actions is imperative to preventing suicide deaths. Traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of a limited number of risk factors that differentiate suicide ideators from suicide attempters. Further, certain types of trauma and groups of people are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and actions. For example, childhood trauma and maltreatment, as well as history of sexual assault, are both associated with unique risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors after controlling for various additional risk factors and PTSD symptom severity. Additionally, military personnel/veterans and lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual individuals are two high-risk populations for death by suicide. Several theories of how traumatic experiences confer increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as theories within the ideation-to-action framework (which explain transition from suicidal thoughts to behaviors), are presented and discussed to increase understanding of this phenomenon, as well as possible targets of intervention.

scholarly journals Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors as risk factors for future suicide ideation, attempts, and death: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Ribeiro ◽  
J. C. Franklin ◽  
K. R. Fox ◽  
K. H. Bentley ◽  
E. M. Kleiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Design Assessment ◽  
Prediction And Prevention ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

BackgroundA history of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) is consistently cited as one of the strongest predictors of future suicidal behavior. However, stark discrepancies in the literature raise questions about the true magnitude of these associations. The objective of this study is to examine the magnitude and clinical utility of the associations between SITBs and subsequent suicide ideation, attempts, and death.MethodWe searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar for papers published through December 2014. Inclusion required that studies include at least one longitudinal analysis predicting suicide ideation, attempts, or death using any SITB variable. We identified 2179 longitudinal studies; 172 met inclusion criteria.ResultsThe most common outcome was suicide attempt (47.80%), followed by death (40.50%) and ideation (11.60%). Median follow-up was 52 months (mean = 82.52, s.d. = 102.29). Overall prediction was weak, with weighted mean odds ratios (ORs) of 2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76–2.43] for ideation, 2.14 (95% CI 2.00–2.30) for attempts, and 1.54 (95% CI 1.39–1.71) for death. Adjusting for publication bias further reduced estimates. Diagnostic accuracy analyses indicated acceptable specificity (86–87%) and poor sensitivity (10–26%), with areas under the curve marginally above chance (0.60–0.62). Most risk factors generated OR estimates of <2.0 and no risk factor exceeded 4.5. Effects were consistent regardless of sample severity, sample age groups, or follow-up length.ConclusionsPrior SITBs confer risk for later suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, they only provide a marginal improvement in diagnostic accuracy above chance. Addressing gaps in study design, assessment, and underlying mechanisms may prove useful in improving prediction and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

scholarly journals The interaction between suicidal ideation, insomnia symptoms, and student status

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodie C. Stevenson ◽  
Kamila Irvine ◽  
Sarah Allen ◽  
Umair Akram
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
The Past ◽  
Future Attempt ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Evidence demonstrates increased vulnerability to thoughts and behaviors related to suicide (i.e., suicidal ideation) in students. This study examined the interaction between insomnia-symptoms and student-status (students vs. non-students) on reports of suicidal thoughts of behaviors. A total of 363 (N = 363) university students and 300 (N = 300) members of the general population provided complete data on measures of insomnia-symptoms and suicidal ideation. Students indicated greater reports of both total and lifetime ideation while also considering suicidal behavior within the past year. However, no differences were observed in reports of possible future attempt(s) and the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors to another person. Moreover, students presenting concurrent symptoms of insomnia reported significantly elevated levels of suicidal ideation relative to nonstudents. These outcomes highlight the possible role of insomnia symptoms in accentuating suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the student population.

Differences in Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Three Racial Groups

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-178
Author(s):  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Martha K. Fahlgren ◽  
Kristen M. Sorgi ◽  
Michael S. McCloskey
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Assessment Procedures ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors

Abstract. Background: Despite being a major public health concern, it is unclear how suicidal thoughts and behaviors differentially impact separate racial groups. Aims: The aim of the current study was to examine the occurrence of nonlethal suicide events, in addition to suicide attempt characteristics and factors contributing to suicide attempts. Method: A final sample of 7,094 undergraduates from a large northeastern university, identifying as members of three racial groups (White [67.30%], Black [17.30%], and Asian [15.40%]), completed online questionnaires. Results: White participants reported increased likelihood of endorsing lifetime suicidal ideation and plan, whereas Black participants reported decreased likelihood of these events; no differences were found in rates of lifetime suicide attempts. Black participants' suicidal behavior may involve greater ambivalence of intent. A higher proportion of Asian participants endorsed interpersonal factors as contributing to their suicide attempts, whereas a greater percentage of White participants reported internal contributing factors. Limitations: Findings are limited by the sample size and assessment of lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Conclusion: The findings present a more nuanced look at attitudes and actions related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may inform future research and risk assessment procedures.

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