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A Systematic Review of Social Factors and Suicidal Behavior in Older Adulthood

Author

Listed:
  • Madeleine Mellqvist Fässberg

    (Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Wallinsgatan 6, 43141 Mölndal, Sweden
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kimberly A. van Orden

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Paul Duberstein

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14642, USA)

  • Annette Erlangsen

    (Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, S850, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Sylvie Lapierre

    (Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 des Forges blvd., Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7, Canada)

  • Ehud Bodner

    (The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences and the Music Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel)

  • Silvia Sara Canetto

    (Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Diego De Leo

    (Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, and Life Promotion Clinic, Mt Gravatt Campus, Griffith University, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia)

  • Katalin Szanto

    (Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA)

  • Margda Waern

    (Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 15, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

Suicide in later life is a global public health problem. The aim of this review was to conduct a systematic analysis of studies with comparison groups that examined the associations between social factors and suicidal behavior (including ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, or deaths) among individuals aged 65 and older. Our search identified only 16 articles (across 14 independent samples) that met inclusion criteria. The limited number of studies points to the need for further research. Included studies were conducted in Canada (n = 2), Germany (n = 1), Hong Kong (n = 1), Japan (n = 1), Singapore (n = 1), Sweden (n = 2), Taiwan (n = 1), the U.K. (n = 2), and the U.S. (n = 3). The majority of the social factors examined in this review can be conceptualized as indices of positive social connectedness—the degree of positive involvement with family, friends, and social groups. Findings indicated that at least in industrialized countries, limited social connectedness is associated with suicidal ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, and suicide in later life. Primary prevention programs designed to enhance social connections as well as a sense of community could potentially decrease suicide risk, especially among men.

Suggested Citation

  • Madeleine Mellqvist Fässberg & Kimberly A. van Orden & Paul Duberstein & Annette Erlangsen & Sylvie Lapierre & Ehud Bodner & Silvia Sara Canetto & Diego De Leo & Katalin Szanto & Margda Waern, 2012. "A Systematic Review of Social Factors and Suicidal Behavior in Older Adulthood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:9:y:2012:i:3:p:722-745:d:16411
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Knox, K.L. & Conwell, Y. & Caine, E.D., 2004. "If Suicide Is a Public Health Problem, What Are We Doing to Prevent It?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(1), pages 37-45.
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    4. Patricia A. Thomas, 2010. "Is It Better to Give or to Receive? Social Support and the Well-being of Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 65(3), pages 351-357.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Yolanda Mejías-Martín & Juan de Dios Luna del Castillo & Candela Rodríguez-Mejías & Celia Martí-García & Juan Pablo Valencia-Quintero & María Paz García-Caro, 2019. "Factors Associated with Suicide Attempts and Suicides in the General Population of Andalusia (Spain)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Fang, Hanming & Lei, Ziteng & Lin, Liguo & Zhang, Peng & Zhou, Maigeng, 2023. "Family companionship and elderly suicide: Evidence from the Chinese Lunar New Year," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
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    5. María Teresa Carrasco-Barrios & Paloma Huertas & Paloma Martín & Carlos Martín & Mª Carmen Castillejos & Eleni Petkari & Berta Moreno-Küstner, 2020. "Determinants of Suicidality in the European General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-24, June.

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