Psychosocial Correlates of Attempted Suicide and Attitudes Toward Suicide

Kim, Sung Wan; Bae, Kyung Yeol; Kim, Jae Min; Kim, Seon Young; Yoo, Joon An; Yang, Su Jin; Shin, Il Seon; Park, Ji Hyun; Kim, Sae Hyon; Yoon, Jin Sang

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To examine psychosocial correlates of suicide attempts in a community population.
METHODS
This study investigated suicide attempt history, demographic and psychosocial characteristics including depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and responses to a questionnaire about attitudes toward suicide in a community sample. The demographic and psychosocial correlates of suicide attempts were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 1,578 people completed the survey. Of these, 100 people (6.3%) had attempted suicide. In the univariate analyses, risk factors for attempted suicide were divorce, lower level of education, lack of a stable job, living in a rented house, undergoing psychiatric treatment, a family history of psychiatric illness, and being depressed (BDI > or =22). In the multivariate analysis, living in a rented house, undergoing psychiatric treatment, and being depressed were significantly associated with attempted suicide. Of the individuals who had attempted suicide, 42.0% were currently depressed, whereas the prevalence of depression in those who had not attempted suicide was 9.1%. In addition, individuals who had attempted suicide had permissive attitudes toward suicide and negative attitudes toward treatment for suicidal behavior.
CONCLUSION
Attempted suicide was significantly associated with depression. Therefore, immediate and appropriate psychiatric treatment for depression in those attempting suicide is crucial.