J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2024 May;63(2):132-139. 10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.2.132.

Characteristics of Suicide Victim Information Through Psychological Autopsy

• Choi JH
• Sung K
• Hwang TY

• KMID: 2556500
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2024.63.2.132

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the characteristics of data obtained through psychological autopsy interviews by comparing them with suicide victim data from a comprehensive investigation.
Methods
For analysis, the psychological autopsy interview data held by the Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention were compared with suicide victim data from a comprehensive investigation based on the latest three years (2018–2020) by year of death.
Results
The analysis showed that the information collected through psychological autopsy interviews pertained to individuals employed at the time of death and had spouses or cohabitants. Compared to the comprehensive investigation, the psychological autopsy interviews estimated a higher proportion of relationship and mental health issues as the primary causes of suicide and detected language, behavior, and emotional warning signs at a higher rate.
Conclusion
Despite limitations, such as estimation issues of interviewees and investigators, differences in detailed items between the two data sources, and the high proportion of unknowns in the comprehensive investigation data, this study is significant in understanding the characteristics of nationally conducted psychological autopsy data. Future continuous analysis is anticipated to contribute to the development of effective suicide prevention strategies.

Keyword

Psychological autopsy; Comprehensive investigation of suicide; Main cause of suicide; Warning sign