J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2023 Mar;32(1):45-55. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2023.32.1.45.

Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Middle Aged Adults: Focused on Gender Differences

• Kim J
• Han KS

• KMID: 2540818
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2023.32.1.45

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated levels of economic stress, depression, existential well-being, and family function, and analyzed their influences on suicidal ideation in middle aged adults.
Methods
This study included 217 adults aged of 40~65 years. Data were collected from July to August 2019. Data were analyzed separately according to the genders. Descriptive analysis, t-test, Cronbach’s ⍺, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted using SPSS 23.0 software.
Results
The suicidal ideation of the subjects had positive correlations with economic stress and depression but negative correlations with existential well-being and family function. The most significant factor affecting suicidal ideation of middle aged men was depression (β=.68, p<.001), with an overall explanatory power of 46.8%, while the suicidal ideation of middle aged women was substantially affected by depression (β=.53, p<.001), marriage status (β=-.17, p=.028), and presence of chronic diseases (β=.16, p=.030), with an overall explanatory power of 41.6%.
Conclusion
The origins of suicidal ideation in middle aged men and women were different. Therefore, suicide prevention plans, nursing interventions, and policies for middle aged adults must consider gender differences.

Keyword

Suicidal ideation; Middle aged; Gender difference; Nurse; Depression; 자살생각, 중년기, 성차, 간호사, 우울