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Ki M, Lapierre S, Gim B, Hwang M, Kang M, Dargis L, Jung M, Koh EJ, Mishara B. A systematic review of psychosocial protective factors against suicide and suicidality among older adults. Int Psychogeriatr 2024; 36:346-370. [PMID: 38305360 DOI: 10.1017/s104161022300443x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on suicide rarely focuses on protective factors. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the evidence of the associations between protective factors and reduced suicidality among older adults. METHOD First, a scoping review was conducted to identify pertinent terms that refer to various protective factors against suicidality. A systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, was then conducted on a selection of 15 protective factors (e.g., perceived control, well-being and quality of life, life satisfaction, purpose-in-life, resilience, coping, religiosity, hope, self-regulation, sense of belonging, mattering, positive relationship, social support, social connectedness, and social participation), with separate searches performed on each factor in five databases. Empirical studies were eligible if participants were adults aged 60 years and over, and if the studies reported predictive statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 70 studies were retained for the review. Suicidal ideation was the main outcome measure (91%). Significant associations were consistently observed between all protective factors and reduced suicidal ideations or behaviors, particularly for purpose-in-life, resilience, and positive relationships, indicating that these are solid components for suicide prevention. Using scales, instead of a single item, to measure protective factors (e.g. life satisfaction) was more efficient to capture the associations. On the other hand, results were similar whether studies used subjective (e.g., sense of belonging) or objective (e.g., social connectedness) measures. CONCLUSION Protective factors were inversely associated with suicidal ideation. Improving protective factors is essential for the development of late-life suicide prevention and interventions, instead of merely focusing on risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Ki
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sylvie Lapierre
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Boeun Gim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Hwang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minku Kang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Luc Dargis
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Myoungjee Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Emily Jiali Koh
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Brian Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Pérez Rodríguez S, Layrón Folgado JE, Guillén Botella V, Marco Salvador JH. Meaning in life mediates the association between depressive symptoms and future frequency of suicidal ideation in Spanish university students: A longitudinal study. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:286-295. [PMID: 38223979 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for longitudinal studies that focus on protective factors against suicide in Spain. We analyzed the estimated prevalence of suicidal ideation in a sample of Spanish university students. Second, we explored the relationship between future suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation at T1, and meaning in life and its dimensions of meaning and purpose. Third, we analyzed the mediation role of meaning in life between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation evaluated with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). METHOD In this longitudinal study, a total of 718 Spanish university students were assessed at T1, of whom 279 completed questionnaires along with EMA (T2). RESULTS The estimated prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.4%. Levels of depressive symptoms were positively correlated with suicidal ideation and negatively with meaning in life and its dimensions of meaning and purpose. Meaning in life and its dimensions mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and subsequent suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION There is a high prevalence of suicidal ideation among Spanish university students, and it is associated with depressive symptoms and meaning in life, with the latter acting as a protective factor. Thus, psychotherapeutic prevention programs from a logotherapeutic perspective could help to reduce students' suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pérez Rodríguez
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Enrique Layrón Folgado
- School of Doctorate, Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", Valencia, Spain
- International University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Verónica Guillén Botella
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose H Marco Salvador
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
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Cassanet A, McKenzie WA, McLean LA. Psychosocial interventions to support retirement well-being and adjustment: a systematic review. EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/20590776.2022.2161360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Cassanet
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - W. A. McKenzie
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - L. A. McLean
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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A scoping review exploring the ‘grey area’ of suicide-related expression in later life: Developing a conceptual framework for professional engagement. AGEING & SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x22000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
As the body of research on suicide in later life has developed, so has its vocabulary. This has generated a high level of overlap in concepts and terminology used to articulate suicide and how it might present, as well as ‘grey area’ behavioural terms that are both specific to older adults and less well-defined (e.g. ‘hastening of death’ or ‘completed life’). A better understanding of individual experiences and pathways to suicide can help to inform assessment and interventions, and increase the potential to relate any theoretical concepts to the implementation of such. Here, we adopted a scoping review to search systematically literature on specific presentation, features, circumstances and outcomes of these grey areas of suicide in later life. Fifty-three articles (quantitative, qualitative and theoretical) were reviewed. A narrative approach was used to merge and translate this body of knowledge into a new conceptual framework based on four key themes: (a) a sense of completed life or existential loneliness; (b) death thoughts, wishes and ideation; (c) death-hastening behaviour and advanced directives; and (d) self-destructive or self-injurious behaviour. We discuss the importance of integrating this understanding into current knowledge and suicide prevention strategies for older adults. Recommendations are made for unifying research with policy themes on healthy ageing, person-centredness within service provision and citizen participation.
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Hogan WB, Daniels AH. Orthopaedic Surgeon Burnout and Suicide: Social Isolation as a Driver of Self-Harm. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2022; 104:e22. [PMID: 34648475 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.21.00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William B Hogan
- Department of Orthopedics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, East Providence, Rhode Island
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6
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Heisel MJ, Flett GL. The Social Hopelessness Questionnaire (SHQ): Psychometric properties, distress, and suicide ideation in a heterogeneous sample of older adults. J Affect Disord 2022; 299:475-482. [PMID: 34774647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults have high rates of suicide, necessitating attention to psychological factors that confer risk for suicide. Hopelessness is significantly associated with psychological despair and suicide risk factors; however, research has been limited by unidimensional treatment of the construct. The purpose of the present study was thus to investigate the psychometric properties of the Social Hopelessness Questionnaire (SHQ; Flett et al., 2021), a 20-item measure of hopelessness in the interpersonal domain, in a heterogeneous sample of older adults. METHODS Ninety adults 65 years of age or older were recruited from community, residential, or healthcare facilities in the context of a validation study of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS; Heisel & Flett, 2006). Participants voluntarily completed the SHQ, a demographics form, and concurrent measures of global hopelessness, depressive symptom severity, suicide ideation, and subjective well-being. RESULTS The SHQ demonstrated strong internal consistency, construct validity by way of significant positive associations with negative psychological factors and negative associations with positive factors, and differentiated older adults recruited from community and mental health settings. It also explained significant variability in depression, suicide ideation, and subjective well-being beyond that accounted for by an age-specific measure of global hopelessness. LIMITATIONS Findings were limited by a small clinical sub-sample, relatively few male participants, cross-sectional analysis, and focus on suicide ideation rather than suicide behavior. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the SHQ is a reliable and valid measure of an interpersonal form of hopelessness for use with older adults across diverse settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnin J Heisel
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Hospital, 800 Commissioners Rd. E., Office #A2-515, London, Ontario N6A-5W9, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, Canada; Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States.
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Heisel MJ, Flett GL. Screening for suicide risk among older adults: assessing preliminary psychometric properties of the Brief Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (BGSIS) and the GSIS-Screen. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:392-406. [PMID: 33327729 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1857690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To initially assess psychometric properties of two abbreviated versions of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS): a 10-item Brief Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (BGSIS), and a 5-item Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale-Screen (GSIS-Screen). METHODS A series of psychometric analyses was conducted, assessing the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct and predictive validity of the abbreviated GSIS scales. This was done by selecting-out GSIS items from a combined dataset of studies on suicide ideation in older adults: 1) The GSIS scale development study (n = 107); 2) A clinical trial of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) modified for suicidal older adults(n = 25); 3) A longitudinal study of risk and resiliency to suicide ideation in community-residing older adults (n = 173). RESULTS Overall findings demonstrated strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent and predictive validity for the BGSIS and GSIS-Screen with older adults across community, clinical, and residential settings. CONCLUSION Study findings support the use of the abbreviated GSIS scales when conducting research on suicide risk identification among older adults. Future research is recommended testing these scales prospectively in public health, residential, and clinical settings, in research and healthcare delivery contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnin J Heisel
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Gordon L Flett
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lutzman M, Sommerfeld E. The role of meaning in life as a protective factor in suicidal ideation among elderly men with physical illnesses. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:10603-10612. [PMID: 34629829 PMCID: PMC8486633 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02332-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The highest suicide rates are among elderly men. The aim of the present study is to extend previous findings by focusing on meaning in life as a protective factor for suicidal ideation among elderly men. Self-report measures were administered to 170 elderly men aged 65 and over in community. Meaning in life and physical illness predicted suicidal ideation among elderly men. Physical illness moderated the association between meaning in life and suicidal ideation. In the young-old group (ages 65-74), meaning in life predicted suicidal ideation among those who reported higher rates of physical illness. This moderation effect was not found among the older group (aged 75 years and older). The findings of this study highlight the importance of age-differences in studying suicidal ideation among elderly men. Our findings emphasize the importance of cultivating and maintaining meaning in life when coping with chronic illnesses and point at meaning in life as a goal in therapeutic interventions designed to reduce suicidal ideation among elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Lutzman
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
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9
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Oliffe JL, Kelly MT, Montaner GG, Links PS, Kealy D, Ogrodniczuk JS. Segmenting or Summing the Parts? A Scoping Review of Male Suicide Research in Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:433-445. [PMID: 33719600 PMCID: PMC8107953 DOI: 10.1177/07067437211000631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicide in Canadian men is high and rising. Research consistently indicates increased suicide risk in male subgroups including sexual minority, Indigenous, middle-aged, and military men. The current scoping review addresses the research question: Among male subgroups featured in Canadian suicide research, what are the key findings to inform suicide prevention efforts?. METHOD A scoping review was undertaken in accord with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Structured searches were conducted in CIHAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and Web of Science to identify studies reporting suicidality (suicidal ideation, plans and/or attempts) and suicide among men in Canada. Inclusion criteria comprised primary empirical studies featuring Canadian male subgroups published in English from 2009 to 2020 inclusive. RESULTS Sixty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria, highlighting significant rates of male suicidality and/or suicide in 3 categories: (1) health inequities (n = 29); (2) age-specific (n = 30); and (3) occupation (n = 9). The health inequities category included sexual minority men, Indigenous, and other marginalized males (i.e., homeless, immigrant men, and men who use opiates). Age-specific men focused on adolescents and youth, and middle-aged and older males. Active military, veterans, and first responders featured in the occupation category. Studies compared at risk male subgroups to females, general male populations, and/or other marginalized groups in emphasizing mental health disparities and increased suicide risk. Some men's suboptimal connections to existing mental health care services were also highlighted. CONCLUSION While male subgroups who are vulnerable to suicidality and suicide were consistently described, these insights have not translated to tailored upstream suicide prevention services for Canadian boys and men. There may be some important gains through integrating social and mental health care services for marginalized men, implementing school-based masculinity programs for adolescent males, orientating clinicians to the potential for men's mid-life suicide risks (i.e., separation, bereavement, retirement) and lobbying employers to norm help-seeking among activate military, veterans, and first responder males.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Oliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British
Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne,
Australia
| | - Mary T. Kelly
- School of Nursing, University of British
Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Paul S. Links
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural
Neurosciences at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David Kealy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John S. Ogrodniczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zortea TC, Brenna CTA, Joyce M, McClelland H, Tippett M, Tran MM, Arensman E, Corcoran P, Hatcher S, Heisel MJ, Links P, O'Connor RC, Edgar NE, Cha Y, Guaiana G, Williamson E, Sinyor M, Platt S. The Impact of Infectious Disease-Related Public Health Emergencies on Suicide, Suicidal Behavior, and Suicidal Thoughts. CRISIS 2020; 42:474-487. [PMID: 33063542 PMCID: PMC8689932 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Infectious disease-related public health emergencies (epidemics) may increase suicide risk, and high-quality evidence is needed to guide an international response. Aims: We investigated the potential impacts of epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. Method: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsyArXiv, medRxiv, and bioRxiv from inception to May 13–16, 2020. Inclusion criteria: primary studies, reviews, and meta-analyses; reporting the impact of epidemics; with a primary outcome of suicide, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, and/or self-harm. Exclusion criteria: not concerned with suicide-related outcomes; not suitable for data extraction. PROSPERO registration: #CRD42020187013. Results: Eight primary papers were included, examining the effects of five epidemics on suicide-related outcomes. There was evidence of increased suicide rates among older adults during SARS and in the year following the epidemic (possibly motivated by social disconnectedness, fears of virus infection, and concern about burdening others) and associations between SARS/Ebola exposure and increased suicide attempts. A preprint study reported associations between COVID-19 distress and past-month suicidal ideation. Limitations: Few studies have investigated the topic; these are of relatively low methodological quality. Conclusion: Findings support an association between previous epidemics and increased risk of suicide-related outcomes. Research is needed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago C. Zortea
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Mary Joyce
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Marisa Tippett
- Western Libraries, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Ella Arensman
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Simon Hatcher
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marnin J. Heisel
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Links
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rory C. O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Yevin Cha
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Guaiana
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ji YD, Robertson FC, Patel NA, Peacock ZS, Resnick CM. Assessment of Risk Factors for Suicide Among US Health Care Professionals. JAMA Surg 2020; 155:713-721. [PMID: 32520355 PMCID: PMC7287947 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Importance Burnout among health care professionals has been increasingly associated with suicide risk. An examination of possible risk factors may help in the prevention of suicide among health care professionals. Objective To assess suicide risk factors for 3 categories of health care professionals (surgeons, nonsurgeon physicians, and dentists) compared with non-health care professionals. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System were reviewed to identify all individuals who died by suicide in the United States between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2016. Individuals were divided into health care professionals and non-health care professionals (general population), with the health care professionals further categorized into surgeons, nonsurgeon physicians, and dentists. The covariates of suicide decedents included demographic characteristics (age, sex, race, and marital status), medical history (mental illness, substance use, and physical health), and documented factors associated with the suicide death (job, intimate partner, financial, legal, and other problems). Data were analyzed from October 2 to December 17, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures In this analysis, the outcome variable was occupation, with health care professionals overall and by category compared with the general population. Multiple logistic regression analyses with backward stepwise selection were performed. Results A total of 170 030 individuals who died by suicide between 2003 and 2016 were identified. Of those, 767 individuals (0.5%) were health care professionals (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [15.6] years; 675 men [88.0%]; 688 white [89.7%]), with the remainder of the sample (95.5%) comprising the general population (mean [SD] age, 46.8 [31.5] years; 77.7% men; 87.8% white). A total of 485 health care professionals (63.2%) were nonsurgeon physicians, 179 professionals (23.3%) were dentists, and 103 professionals (13.4%) were surgeons. Compared with the general population, risk factors for suicide among health care professionals included having Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry (odds ratio [OR], 2.80; 95% CI, 1.96-3.99; P < .001), job problems (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.49-2.17; P < .001), civil legal problems (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.15-2.26; P = .006), and physical health problems (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19-1.64; P < .001) and currently receiving treatment for mental illness (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.69; P < .001). Compared with the general population, health care professionals had a lower risk of suicide if they had black ancestry (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.84; P < .001) or were female (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.55; P < .001) or unmarried (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.31-0.42; P < .001). Health care professionals who died by suicide were also less likely to have problems with intimate partners (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86; P < .001) or alcohol use (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.73; P < .001) compared with the general population. Surgeons had a higher risk of suicide compared with the general population if they were older, male, married, had Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry, were currently receiving treatment for mental illness, or had problems with their job or alcohol use. Compared with their nonsurgeon physician colleagues, surgeons had a higher risk of suicide if they were male, older, married, or currently receiving treatment for mental illness. Conclusions and Relevance This study highlights risk factors for suicide among health care professionals, with additional analyses of surgeon-specific risk factors. The results may be useful in improving the detection of burnout and the development of suicide prevention interventions among health care professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi D. Ji
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Faith C. Robertson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Nisarg A. Patel
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zachary S. Peacock
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cory M. Resnick
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Flett GL, Heisel MJ. Aging and Feeling Valued Versus Expendable During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: a Review and Commentary of Why Mattering Is Fundamental to the Health and Well-Being of Older Adults. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020; 19:2443-2469. [PMID: 32837430 PMCID: PMC7295320 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current commentary and review examines the potentially protective role of feelings of mattering among elderly people during typical times and the current atypical times associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Mattering is the feeling of being important to others in ways that give people the sense that they are valued and other people care about them. We contrast this feeling with messages of not mattering and being expendable and disposable due to ageism, gaps in the provision of care, and apparently economically focused positions taken during the pandemic that disrespect the value, worth, and merits of older persons. We provide a comprehensive review of past research on individual differences in mattering among older adults and illustrate the unique role of mattering in potentially protecting older adults from mental health problems. Mattering is also discussed in terms of its links with loneliness and physical health. This article concludes with a discussion of initiatives and interventions that can be modified and enhanced to instill a sense of mattering among older adults. Key directions for future research are also highlighted along with ways to expand the mattering concept to more fully understand and appreciate the relevance of mattering among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon L. Flett
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Canada
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Cui
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Amy Fiske
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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