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Lee H, Rhee SJ, Kim MJ, Park CHK, Yang JH, Son K, Park JI, Ahn YM. Shifting attitudes toward suicide over time: A latent profile analysis using the Korea National Suicide Survey. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1124318. [PMID: 36937738 PMCID: PMC10014803 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1124318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Korea has a high suicide rate, and changes in sociodemographic factors can further increase the rate. This study aims to (1) classify participants using the Attitudes toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) through latent profile analysis (LPA), (2) identify and compare the associations between sociodemographic factors with the ATTS in two survey years (2013, 2018), and (3) determine the moderating effect of survey year. Methods Six sub-factors of the ATTS were used for LPA with a total of 2,973 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between groups, and multinomial logistic regression was conducted for each survey year. A moderation analysis was conducted with the survey year as moderator. Results LPA identified three groups of attitudes toward suicide: incomprehensible (10.3%), mixed (52.8%), and permissive (36.9%). The proportion of permissive attitudes increased from 2013 (32.3%) to 2018 (41.7%). Participants reporting suicidal behavior were more likely to be in the mixed and permissive groups than the incomprehensible group in both years. People reporting no religious beliefs were associated with the permissive group in the two survey years. The influence of education and income levels on groups differed by survey year. Discussion There were significant changes between 2013 and 2018 in attitudes toward suicide in the Korean population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Rhee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jeong Hun Yang
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Son
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ik Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Min Ahn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Yong Min Ahn
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Öz F, Turgut Atak N, Meriç M. Nursing students' attitudes toward death and stigma toward individuals who attempt suicide. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:1728-1735. [PMID: 34862607 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to assess the stigmatizing attitudes of nursing students toward individuals who had made suicide attempts as well as these students' attitudes toward death. DESIGN AND METHODS The universe of this descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 650 students studying in the fall semester of the 2017-18 academic year. No sample selection was made and a total of 560 students who agreed to participate in the study were reached. The Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) and the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) were used as data collection tools. FINDINGS We found that the students had a moderately positive attitude toward death and, in terms of the DAP-R, they exhibited more Neutral Acceptance and Approach Acceptance. It was determined that the stigma against suicide decreased when positive attitudes toward death increased. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To reduce stigmatizing attitudes toward suicide, it is important to ensure that students learn about both death and suicide earlier during their education, to design forms of training that aim to eliminate negative beliefs and attitudes toward suicide attempts and to ensure that this training is sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Öz
- Department of Nursing, Lokman Hekim University Health Sciences Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazlı Turgut Atak
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Meltem Meriç
- Department of Nursing, Lokman Hekim University Health Sciences Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
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Kim MJ, Lee H, Shin D, Hong M, Rhee SJ, Park JI, Ahn YM. Effect of Attitude Toward Suicide on Suicidal Behavior: Based on the Korea National Suicide Survey. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:427-434. [PMID: 35753681 PMCID: PMC9233956 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicide is a complex phenomenon; therefore, it should be approached in light of sociocultural perspectives and the general attitude toward suicide. This study aimed to extract factors from the Attitude Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) and investigate the relationship between attitudes toward suicide and suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal idea, plan, and attempt) by using a representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS Three thousand Koreans aged 19 to 75 years were surveyed cross-sectionally in 2013 and 2018. The data collected were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Extracted attitude factors were compared using a suicidal behavior continuum. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were constructed to compare the association between attitude factors and suicidal behaviors. RESULTS Among the participants, 477 (15.9%) experienced suicidal idea only, 85 (2.8%) had a suicidal plan without attempt, and 58 (1.9%) attempted suicide. Four meaningful factors were extracted from the factor analysis: "permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," "preventability/readiness to help," and "loneliness." "Permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," and "loneliness" factors showed significant trends across the suicidal behavior continuum. Permissive attitude toward suicide increased the odds of suicidal idea, suicidal plan, and suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.25-1.79; aOR=2.79, 95% CI=1.84-4.25; aOR=2.67, 95% CI=1.65-4.33), while attitude toward suicide as unjustified behavior decreased the odds of suicidal ideation and attempt (aOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.67-0.94; aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42-0.99). CONCLUSION A significant association was found between attitude toward suicide and suicidal behaviors. Attitude toward suicide is a modifiable factor that can be used to develop prevention policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daun Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseok Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ik Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Min Ahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Lee H, Kim MJ, Hong M, Rhee SJ, Shin D, Park JI, Lee HJ, Jung HY, Ahn YM. Effect of suicidal loss on bereaved individuals' suicidal ideation: Structural equation model using attitudes towards suicide scale and moderation effect of interest in news media. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:51-57. [PMID: 34728297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to suicidal death may cause trauma and change the bereaved family/friends' attitudes towards suicide and increase their suicide-related behavior. We aimed to examine the life-time prevalence of loss experience among the general population of South Korea, the relationship between attitudes towards suicide and suicidal intensity, and the moderation effect of interest in news media. METHODS After analyzing 2973 structured interviews, we hypothesized structural equation model and conducted a moderation analysis. RESULTS A total of 10.1% (n = 301) respondents had experienced the suicide of acquaintances. Acceptive attitudes such as "suicide as right" and "suicide as normal-common" were higher in the "experienced" group. All fit indices of the hypothesized model were satisfied, and experience of suicidal loss was positively associated with both acceptive attitudes and suicidal intensity. "Suicide as normal-common" positively affected suicidal intensity, but "suicide as right" was not significant. "Interest in news media" significantly moderated the relationship between loss experience and suicidal intensity. LIMITATIONS Since our study was cross-sectional design, further longitudinal studies are needed to draw casual inferences between factors. We used the at home interview method, which might have resulted underestimated experience of suicidal loss. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that experiencing suicide death of any acquaintances could increase individual's acceptance of suicide and also increase the risk of suicide. Frequent exposure to suicide-related news amplified their risk of suicide. To reduce the suicide risk behavior, targeted intervention with those bereaved by suicide and restriction of media reports on suicide news will be needed as prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Minseok Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Rhee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daun Shin
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ik Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Jeong Lee
- Division of Cancer Control and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee Yeon Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neuropsychiatry, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong Min Ahn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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The influence of poverty attribution on attitudes toward suicide and suicidal thought: A cross-national comparison between South Korean, Japanese, and American populations. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 109:152259. [PMID: 34273607 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies report that income inequality is an important risk factor for depression and suicide, and an increasing income gap appears inevitable. However, little study to date has investigated associations between the attribution of poverty and suicide. Though we previously reported associations between socio-cultural factors, including income, and suicide, we tried to explore more focused associations between income, attribution of poverty (individualistic, societal), permissive attitude toward suicide, and suicidal thought using a structural equation model. METHODS A total of 2213 participants from each of three nations (South Korea, Japan, and the United States) completed an online survey. Participants without a history of psychological disorders or suicide attempts completed scales measuring attributions of poverty, attitudes toward suicide, and severity of suicidal thoughts. RESULTS We established a structural equation model, which exhibited a good fit for all nations, and compared significant path coefficients by country. South Korea had the highest severity of suicidal thought and societal attribution of poverty, followed by Japan and America. In all nations, a permissive attitude was positively related to the severity of suicidal thought and individualistic attribution of poverty was positively related to a permissive attitude toward suicide. Societal attribution of poverty was positively associated with a permissive attitude in Japan and the United States. Income was negatively associated with the severity of suicide in South Korea and the United States. CONCLUSION Through an established structural equation model, we found the influence of poverty on suicide and identify the common and distinctive factors associated with suicide in each country.
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Williams CL, Gauthier JM, Witte TK. Effects of Exposure to Multiple, Graphic Suicide News Articles on Explicit and Implicit Measures of Suicide Risk. Arch Suicide Res 2021; 25:491-511. [PMID: 32019483 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1715905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Research has examined suicide-related behaviors following exposure to suicide news articles, yet only a handful of studies utilized experimental designs. We aimed to address the limitations of these prior experimental studies by utilizing more realistic suicide articles and more empirically sound measures. 420 participants were randomly assigned to read a series of either suicide-related or neutral news articles, then complete a battery of questionnaires and the Death/Suicide Implicit Association Task. Overall, no significant differences between groups were observed, nor did we observe any moderation effect of individual vulnerabilities (e.g., lifetime suicidal ideation/behavior). We did not observe any immediate effects of exposure to suicide news articles. Further research examining potential mechanisms for imitative effects remains critically needed.
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Lee H, Park CHK, Rhee SJ, Kim J, Kim B, Lee SS, Ha K, Baik CJ, Ahn YM. An integrated model for the relationship between socio-cultural factors, Attitudes Toward Suicide, and intensity of suicidal ideation in Korean, Japanese, and American populations. J Affect Disord 2021; 280:203-210. [PMID: 33220555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies have identified the risk factors for suicide, the absence of a statistical model that integrates several risk areas makes it difficult to understand the abnormally high suicide rate in South Korea. Therefore, we aimed to establish a multidimensional structural equation model of suicide incorporating socio-cultural and psychiatric factors. We performed cross-national comparisons to identify the unique factors influencing South Korea's suicide rate. METHODS We conducted a web survey inviting adults aged 20- to 59-years from South Korea, Japan, and the United States to respond to questionnaires. A total of 2,213 subjects were included. We then developed a structural equation model, exhibiting a good fit in all countries. RESULTS A permissive attitude was the factor that most strongly predicted the intensity of suicidal ideation in all countries. In South Korea, a low income was directly associated with both permissive attitude and the intensity of suicidal ideation. South Korea's highly fatalistic attitude related to more receptive attitudes toward suicide. Individual's resilience to stress provided significant protection against suicidal ideation in the United States and Japan, but not in South Korea. LIMITATIONS Since our sample excluded adults over 60 years, thus reducing the generalizability of our results. Furthermore, we employed a cross-sectional design; a longitudinal study is needed to draw causal inferences about suicidal death CONCLUSIONS: This study developed the first multidimensional, integrated statistical model of suicidal ideation. Our findings explain the causes of South Korea's high suicide rate and can be used to develop new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - C Hyung Keun Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Jin Rhee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jayoun Kim
- Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bora Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Sang Sin Lee
- Korean Institute for National Unification, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Kyooseob Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Jae Baik
- Department of Political Science and International Relations, College of Social Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Yong Min Ahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kim H, Choi SH, Lee SE, Lee CW, Maeng S, Kim WH, Bae JN, Lee JS. Variables Affecting Attitudes Toward Suicide Among the Adolescent Population. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:59-64. [PMID: 33141783 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Past research has supported the positive association between prosuicide attitudes and suicidal behavior. The aim of the present study was to determine the factor structure of adolescents' attitudes toward suicide and to explore correlates associated with their attitudes. A questionnaire was distributed to 1292 adolescents at eight middle schools to assess their demographic information, clinical variables, and attitudes toward suicide. After factor analysis, we reached a four-factor solution of the attitudes toward suicide. Significantly more females, nonreligious adolescents, those with a lower socioeconomic status, those with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and those with a history of suicidal ideation/plans had more understanding attitudes toward suicide. Depressive adolescents were also more permissive and believed that suicides were unpreventable and that loneliness led to suicide. In conclusion, adolescents' attitudes toward suicide were significantly associated with not only various sociodemographic correlates but also the severity of depressive symptoms and their own experiences of suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seo-Hyun Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon
| | | | | | - Seri Maeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon
| | - Won-Hyoung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon
| | - Jae Nam Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon
| | - Jeong Seop Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon
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Olibamoyo O, Coker O, Adewuya A, Ogunlesi O, Sodipo O. Frequency of suicide attempts and attitudes toward suicidal behaviour among doctors and nurses in Lagos, Nigeria. S Afr J Psychiatr 2020; 26:1402. [PMID: 32832124 PMCID: PMC7433261 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Competence and attitudes toward suicidal behaviour affect practice. These attitudes may influence the consideration of suicide during personal crisis among doctors and nurses. Aim The attitudes of doctors and nurses towards suicidal behaviour was assessed using the Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS), which was validated in another study by the authors, evaluated for the possible factors affecting this relationship and estimated the frequency of suicide attempts among doctors and nurses. Setting Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Lagos, Nigeria. Methods The cross-sectional survey about attitudes toward suicide was done among 226 doctors and nurses working at a tertiary institute hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, using the ATTS. Sociodemographic profile and self-rated competence, commitment, empathy and irritation toward suicide were obtained. Stratified random sampling was used, data were analysed using Statistical Package for Sociological Sciences. Data was summarised, reliability of the ATTS was assured and variables compared by t-test and ANOVA. Independent predictors were identified via multiple regression (p ≤ 0.05). Results Frequency of suicide attempts of 7.50% was found among respondents with a mean age of 35.84 ± 6.76 years. Attitudes toward suicidal behaviour were slightly positive (77.92 ± 9.90) and the independent predictors of less positive attitudes were nursing profession (β = 0.025, p < 0.001) and high self-rated irritation toward suicide (β = 0.18, p < 0.01). Conclusion The frequency of suicide attempts is higher among doctors and nurses when compared to the general population. Doctors and nurses reported slightly positive attitudes toward suicidal behaviour with significant differences in the type of profession and levels of self-rated irritation toward suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olushola Olibamoyo
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olurotimi Coker
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Adewuya
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun Ogunlesi
- Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olujimi Sodipo
- Department of Family Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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Takahashi A, Tachikawa H, Morita N, Aiba M, Shiratori Y, Nemoto K, Arai T. Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Self-Efficacy Scale (GKSES). CRISIS 2020; 42:128-135. [PMID: 32672521 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: To date there is no standardized scale for the evaluation of self-efficacy of gatekeeper skills. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop the Gatekeeper Self-Efficacy Scale (GKSES), which consists of nine items assessing laypersons' confidence in their own gatekeeper skills, and to confirm its reliability and validity. Method: Altogether 875 participants joined in gatekeeper training between 2010 and 2017 and completed the GKSES both before and after training. After exploratory factor analysis, we analyzed Pearson's correlation between total GKSES scores and Attitude Toward Suicide Scale subscale scores and performed one-way analysis of variance for the score differences by demographics. Results: The GKSES is a univariate scale with good fit. Total GKSES score correlated with the appropriate attitudes for suicide prevention. Self-efficacy ratings after training improved irrespective of attribute. Participants who had had contact with suicidal individuals and those who had received previous suicide prevention training had high self-efficacy ratings, while a greater improvement was seen in the ratings of participants who had not had any previous contact or training. Limitations: It is necessary to assess the GKSES using more participants across other populations. Conclusion: The GKSES is a simple and useful measure with good internal consistency and validity for self-efficacy assessment of gatekeeper skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asumi Takahashi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Morita
- Department of Social Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Miyuki Aiba
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Toyo Gakuen University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiratori
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nemoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Arai
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Japan
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Kawashima Y, Yonemoto N, Kawanishi C, Otsuka K, Mimura M, Otaka Y, Okamura K, Kinoshita T, Shirakawa O, Yoshimura R, Eto N, Hashimoto S, Tachikawa H, Furuno T, Sugimoto T, Ikeshita K, Inagaki M, Yamada M. Two-day assertive-case-management educational program for medical personnel to prevent suicide attempts: A multicenter pre-post observational study. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 74:362-370. [PMID: 32166827 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Suicide attempters have a high risk of repeated suicide attempts and completed suicide. There is evidence that assertive case management can reduce the incidence of recurrent suicidal behavior among suicide attempters. This study evaluated the effect of an assertive-case-management training program. METHODS This multicenter, before-and-after study was conducted at 10 centers in Japan. Participants were 274 medical personnel. We used Japanese versions of the Attitudes to Suicide Prevention Scale, the Gatekeeper Self-Efficacy Scale, the Suicide Intervention Response Inventory (SIRI), and the Attitudes Toward Suicide Questionnaire. We evaluated the effects with one-sample t-tests, and examined prognosis factors with multivariable analysis. RESULTS There were significant improvements between pre-training and post-training in the Attitudes to Suicide Prevention Scale (mean: -3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.57 to -2.57, P < 0.001), the Gatekeeper Self-Efficacy Scale (mean: 10.40, 95%CI: 9.48 to 11.32, P < 0.001), SIRI-1 (appropriate responses; mean: 1.15, 95%CI: 0.89 to 1.42, P < 0.001), and SIRI-2 (different to the expert responses; mean: -4.78, 95%CI: -6.18 to -3.38, P < 0.001). Significant improvements were found on all Attitudes Toward Suicide Questionnaire subscale scores, except Unjustified Behavior. The effect of training was influenced by experience of suicide-prevention training and experience of working with suicidal patients. CONCLUSION The training program (which was developed to implement and disseminate evidence-based suicide-prevention measures) improved attitudes, self-efficacy, and skills for suicide prevention among medical personnel. Specialized suicide-prevention training and experience with suicidal patients are valuable for enhancing positive attitudes and self-efficacy; furthermore, age and clinical experience alone are insufficient for these purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Kawashima
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Clinical Psychology Course, Department of Psycho-Social Studies, School of Arts and Letters, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Yonemoto
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Kawanishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Otsuka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Otaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuya Okamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | | | - Osamu Shirakawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Reiji Yoshimura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Eto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hashimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Medical Center, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tachikawa
- Department of Disaster and Community Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Taku Furuno
- Department of Psychiatry, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Nanbu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sugimoto
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Nagaizumi, Japan
| | | | - Masatoshi Inagaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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Lee SJ, Nam TW, Kim CH, Hwang JM. Knowledge and attitude of nonpsychiatric physicians regarding suicide in spinal cord injury patients and need for structured psychiatric education for suicide prevention: A prospective survey pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14901. [PMID: 30882708 PMCID: PMC6426477 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The knowledge and attitude of nonpsychiatric physicians regarding suicide in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients is important to prevent the accident related to suicide. However, most existing studies have focused on perception of and attitudes among psychiatric physician and mental health care worker.The aim of this study is to investigate awareness and attitude regarding suicide among clinicians treating patients with spinal cord injury, and the necessity of education for suicide prevention. METHODS A total of 29 subjects (N = 29; surgical group n = 17, nonsurgical group n = 12) participated in the study, 6 fellows and 23 residents. They answered a newly revised questionnaire that incorporated 18 items regarding perception of and attitude toward suicide, awareness of suicide in treatment of spinal cord injury patients, and psychiatric consultation; 13 items regarding education and experience; and 4 subjective items regarding their department. A χ test was performed to investigate differences in sociodemographic factors, awareness of and attitude toward suicide, and clinical experience with spinal cord injury patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlation between the questionnaire items. RESULTS There were significant differences between surgical and nonsurgical clinicians in 1 question (Q6) about awareness of and attitude toward suicide (P < .05) and in 2 questions (Q21, Q25) about psychiatric consultation and experience with suicide-related education (P < .01). The correlation analysis revealed significant differences in certain questions among awareness and attitude (P < .05) and age (P < .05) and specialty (P < .01). Two sets of questions (Q16/Q31, Q17/Q26) showed correlation between clinical experience with spinal cord injury patients and awareness of and attitude toward suicide (P < .05). CONCLUSION Education regarding suicide prevention and suicide-related clinical experience with spinal cord injury patients is important for nonpsychiatric clinicians, such as those in the fields of orthopedics, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Lee
- Graduate School of Public Health, Kyungpook National University
| | - Tae-Woo Nam
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital
| | - Chul-hyun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jong-moon Hwang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
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Williams CL, Witte TK. Media Reporting on Suicide: Evaluating the Effects of Including Preventative Resources and Psychoeducational Information on Suicide Risk, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Help-Seeking Behaviors. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2018; 48:253-270. [PMID: 28504315 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of exposure to a suicide news article on a variety of outcome variables and whether adhering to one specific media guideline (i.e., including psychoeducational information and preventative resources) buffered any of the negative effects of exposure. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three articles and then asked to complete a battery of self-report questionnaires. Overall, we found no effect of exposure to a suicide news article, regardless of the inclusion of resources and information, with a few minor exceptions. Although researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of media guidelines in the aggregate at reducing imitative suicidal behavior, it remains unclear which guidelines in particular are responsible for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy K Witte
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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Tan L, Yang QH, Chen JL, Zou HX, Xia TS, Liu Y. The potential role of attitudes towards suicide between mental health status and suicidal ideation among Chinese children and adolescents. Child Care Health Dev 2017; 43:725-732. [PMID: 28488265 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of mental health status and attitudes towards suicide on suicidal ideation in a sample of 6568 Chinese children and adolescents in China. Attitudes towards suicide were investigated as a possible moderator and mediator of the influence of mental health status on suicidal ideation. METHODS Descriptive statistical analyses, Pearson correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses were adopted as methods of data analyses. RESULTS Approximately 35.38% of children and adolescents in our study reported having suicidal ideation. Mental health status and attitudes towards suicide both had an independent effect on the severity of suicidal ideation. Results indicated that mental health status was positively associated with suicidal ideation, while attitudes towards suicide were negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Moderation analysis showed that the impact of mental health status on suicidal ideation was significantly greater among children and adolescents who reported favourable attitudes towards suicide. Attitudes towards suicide partially mediated the link between mental health status and the severity of suicidal ideation. Specifically, students who experienced poorer mental health status might be more likely to report significantly more favourable attitudes towards suicide, which in turn promote greater suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS These results have implications for the prevention of youth suicide, suggesting that mental health status and attitudes towards suicide could be important targets for prevention and intervention for children and adolescents at risk of suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Tan
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application & School of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Q H Yang
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application & School of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - J L Chen
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application & School of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - H X Zou
- Hope Counseling Center, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - T S Xia
- Business School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Y Liu
- Center for Studies of Psychological Application & School of Psychology, Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science of Guangdong Province, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Abstract
Abstract. Background: The Mountain West region of the United States consistently reports the highest rates of suicide in the country. This pattern could reflect a regional culture-of-suicide script in support of suicide that implicitly influences individual's behavior. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether suicide rates are elevated in the Mountain West across a wide range of demographic groups, thereby supporting a regional cultural script. Method: Suicide rates in the Mountain West between 1999 and 2014 were compared to the rest of the country across a wide range of demographic categories and levels of population density using the Center for Disease Control Multiple Causes of Death dataset published on the WONDER online database. Results: Suicide rates are elevated in the Mountain West for men and women, all racial groups, all age groups, and at every level of population density compared to the rest of the country. Limitations: Missing and suppressed data, the use of coroner reports, and the arbitrary nature of state and regional boundaries are all discussed as possible limitations to this study. Conclusion: These findings support a broad culture-of-suicide script that is pervasive in this region across demographic groups and all levels of population density.
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Winterrowd E, Canetto SS, Benoit K. Permissive beliefs and attitudes about older adult suicide: a suicide enabling script? Aging Ment Health 2017; 21:173-181. [PMID: 26496424 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1099609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, suicide rates are highest among European American older adults. This phenomenon calls attention to cultural factors, specifically, the suicide beliefs and attitudes of European Americans. Beliefs and attitudes matter in the vulnerability to suicide. As predicted by cultural scripts of suicide theory, suicide is most likely among individuals and in communities where it is expected and is most acceptable. This study examined beliefs about the precipitants of, and protectors against older adult suicide, as well as suicide attitudes, in a predominantly European American community. DESIGN AND METHODS Two hundred and fifty-five older adults (86% European American) and 281 younger adults (81% European American) indicated what they thought were the most likely older adult suicide precipitants and protectors, and their opinion about older adult suicide, depending on precipitant. RESULTS Health problems were the most endorsed older adult suicide precipitants. Suicide precipitated by health problems was also rated most positively (e.g., rational, courageous). Older adults, persons with more education, and persons who did not identify with a religion expressed the most favorable attitudes about older adult suicide, across suicide precipitants. Men viewed older adult suicide as more admissible, and women, with more sympathy. Perceived suicide protectors included religiosity among older adults, and supportive relationships among younger adults. CONCLUSIONS The belief, in this study's predominantly European American community, that older adult suicide is triggered by health problems, together with favorable attitudes about older adult suicide, suggest an enabling older adult suicide script, with implications for suicide risk and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Winterrowd
- a Department of Psychology , University of Wisconsin Oshkosh , Oshkosh , WI , USA
| | - Silvia Sara Canetto
- b Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Kathrin Benoit
- c Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
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Thimmaiah R, Poreddi V, Ramu R, Selvi S, Math SB. Influence of Religion on Attitude Towards Suicide: An Indian Perspective. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2016; 55:2039-2052. [PMID: 26943174 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-016-0213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey was aimed to compare attitudes towards suicide and suicidal behaviour among randomly selected sample (N = 172) belonged to Hindu and Muslim religions. Data were collected through face-to-face interview. Hindus differed from Muslims regarding suicidal attempts among family (χ (2) = 12.356, p < .002) and community members (χ (2) = 20.425, p < .000). Our study also showed that suicidal behaviours were comparatively low among Muslim participants than Hindus. Further, Muslims hold more negative attitudes towards suicide than Hindus. An enhanced understanding of attitudes towards suicide among general population may be crucial to plan educational, intervention and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijayalakshmi Poreddi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India.
| | | | | | - Suresh Bada Math
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, India
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Kopp-Bigault C, Walter M, Thevenot A. The social representations of suicide in France: An inter-regional study in Alsace and Brittany. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2016; 62:737-748. [PMID: 27815513 DOI: 10.1177/0020764016675652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a major worldwide public health issue. Various studies showed that individual attitudes toward suicide change in a region with high suicide rate. Attitudes are one of the components of a global and complex system: social representations (SRs). AIMS In France, the Brittany region has an abnormally high death rate due to suicides. Our research focuses on the SRs of suicide in this region. The hypothesis underlying this project is that suicide SRs are different between an area with a high suicide rate and a region less affected by suicide. METHOD A comparative study between the Brittany and Alsace regions, with the latter showing a statistically much lower suicide rate. The persons polled responded to a three-word free-association task around the question 'For you, suicide is …?' An analysis of word frequency and evocation rank was then carried out. RESULTS In confirmation of our hypothesis, SRs were different between Brittany and the control region. CONCLUSION The study's results open new avenues of research, specific to Brittany, in terms of the collective or individual effects of suicides, in terms of psycho-pathological conditions - essentially on depression, and in terms of training, on the stereotypes associated with suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Kopp-Bigault
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Psychologie, Strasbourg, France and Centre Hospitalier des Pays de Morlaix, Morlaix, France
| | - Michel Walter
- UFR de Medecine et Sciences de la Sante, Universite de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France and Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Brest, France
| | - Anne Thevenot
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Psychologie, Strasbourg, France
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Norheim AB, Grimholt TK, Loskutova E, Ekeberg O. Attitudes toward suicidal behaviour among professionals at mental health outpatient clinics in Stavropol, Russia and Oslo, Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:268. [PMID: 27465292 PMCID: PMC4964267 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attitudes toward suicidal behaviour can be essential regarding whether patients seek or are offered help. Patients with suicidal behaviour are increasingly treated by mental health outpatient clinics. Our aim was to study attitudes among professionals at outpatient clinics in Stavropol, Russia and Oslo, Norway. METHODS Three hundred and forty-eight (82 %) professionals anonymously completed a questionnaire about attitudes. Professionals at outpatient clinics in Stavropol (n = 119; 94 %) and Oslo (n = 229; 77 %) were enrolled in the study. The Understanding Suicidal Patients (USP) scale (11 = positive to 55 = negative) and the Attitudes Towards Suicide Scale (ATTS) (1 = totally disagree, 5 = totally agree) were used. Questions about religious background, perceived competence and experiences of and views on suicidal behaviour and treatment (0 = totally disagree, 4 = totally agree) were examined. RESULTS All groups reported positive attitudes, with significant differences between Stavropol and Oslo (USP score, 21.8 vs 18.7; p < 0.001). Professionals from Stavropol vs. Oslo reported significantly less experience with suicidal patients, courses in suicide prevention (15 % vs 79 %) guidelines in suicidal prevention (23 % vs 90 %), interest for suicide prevention (2.0 vs 2.7; p < 0.001), and agreed more with the ATTS factors: avoidance of communication on suicide (3.1 vs 2.3; p < 0.001), suicide is acceptable (2.9 vs 2.6; p = 002), suicide is understandable (2.9 vs 2.7; p = 0.012) and (to a lesser extent) suicide can be prevented (4.2 vs 4.5; p < 0.001). In both cities, psychiatric disorders (3.4) were considered as the most important cause of suicide. Use of alcohol (2.2 vs 2.8; p < 0.001) was considered less important in Stavropol. Psychotherapy was considered significant more important in Stavropol than Oslo (3.6 vs 3.4; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Professionals reported positive attitudes towards helping suicidal patients, with significant differences between cities. A need for further education was reported in both cities, but education was less integrated in mental health care in Stavropol than it was in Oslo. In both cities, psychiatric disorders were considered the major reasons for suicide, and psychotherapy was the most important treatment measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Berge Norheim
- Diakonhjemmet hospital, Postboks 23, Vinderen, Oslo, 0319, Norway. .,Regional Centre of Violence Traumatic stress and suicide Prevention Eastern Norway, RVTS-East, Postboks 4623, Nydalen, Oslo, 0405, Norway.
| | - Tine K. Grimholt
- Regional Centre of Violence Traumatic stress and suicide Prevention Eastern Norway, RVTS-East, Postboks 4623, Nydalen, Oslo 0405 Norway ,Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Pb 4965, Nydalen, Oslo 0424 Norway
| | - Ekaterina Loskutova
- Ekaterina Loskutova, ProPsy, Lermontova str. 239/4, ofice 18, Stavropol, 355041 Russia
| | - Oivind Ekeberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addicion, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4956, Nydalen, Oslo 0424 Norway ,Department of Behavioral Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Pb 10/2 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316 Norway
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20
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Zou Y, Leung R, Lin S, Yang M, Lu T, Li X, Gu J, Hao C, Dong G, Hao Y. Attitudes towards suicide in urban and rural China: a population based, cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:162. [PMID: 27230910 PMCID: PMC4881201 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide intervention programs have been guided by findings that attitude towards suicide and suicidal behavior may be causally linked. These findings also make it imperative to identify the factors that influence attitudes towards suicide. However, there has been little research on attitudes towards suicide among the general population, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. This population-based, cross-sectional study investigated the associated factors of attitudes towards suicide among a representative sample of urban and rural adult residents in China. METHODS A multi-stage, stratified random sampling approach was implemented to select participants. Data were collected by a survey using the Scale of Public Attitudes about Suicide (SPAS). The survey also collected some socio-demographic factors and suicidal history of participants. Statistical tests were conducted to identify associated factors that account for variations in attitudes towards suicide. RESULTS The residents in China generally hold a neutral attitude towards suicide. Attitudes towards suicide among Chinese residents were associated with age, duration of formal education, marital status, job and suicidal ideation. Different attitudinal subscales seemed not to share the same risk factors. However, gender, ethnicity, religious belief, housing style and economic status might not influence residents' attitudes towards suicide. Attitudes towards suicide among Chinese urban and rural residents generally had no statistical difference with one notable exception: opinions on whether or not suicides and suicide attempts are different phenomena. CONCLUSIONS Age, duration of formal education, marital status, job and suicidal ideation seem to have an impact on attitudes towards suicide among residents. Urban and rural residents have similar attitudes towards suicide with the only statistically significance difference being their opinions on whether or not suicides and suicide attempts are different phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Zou
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ricky Leung
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, 12144-3445, USA
| | - Shao Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, 12144-3445, USA
| | - Mingan Yang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, 12144-3445, USA
| | - Xianyun Li
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, 100096, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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Hakim Shooshtari M, Malakouti SK, Panaghi L, Mohseni S, Mansouri N, Rahimi Movaghar A. Factors Associated With Suicidal Attempts in Iran: A Systematic Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2016; 10:e948. [PMID: 27284284 PMCID: PMC4898752 DOI: 10.17795/ijpbs-948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Context: Suicide prevention is a health service priority. Some surveys have assessed suicidal behaviors and potential risk factors. Objectives: The current paper aimed to gather information about etiology of suicide attempts in Iran. Data Sources: Pubmed, ISI web of science, PsychInfo, IranPsych, IranMedex, IranDoc as well as gray literature were searched. Study Selection: By electronic and gray literature search, 128 articles were enrolled in this paper. Pubmed, ISI web of science, PsychInfo, IranPsych, IranMedex, IranDoc were searched for electronic search. After reading the abstracts, 84 studies were excluded and full texts of 44 articles were reviewed critically. Data Extraction: Pubmed, ISI web of science, PsychInfo, IranPsych, IranMedex, IranDoc as well as gray literature were searched to find any study about etiologic factors of suicide attempt in Iran. Results: Depressive disorder was the most common diagnosis in suicide attempters that is 45% of the evaluated cases had depression. One study that had used Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory (MMPI) found that Histrionics in females and Schizophrenia and Paranoia in males were significantly influential. Family conflicts with 50.7% and conflict with parents with 44% were two effective psychosocial factors in suicidal attempts. In around one fourth (28.7%) of the cases, conflict with spouse was the main etiologic factor. Conclusions: According to the methodological limitations, outcomes should be generalized cautiously. Further studies will help to plan preventive strategies for suicidal attempts; therefore, continued researches should be conducted to fill the data gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Hakim Shooshtari
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyyed Kazem Malakouti
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Leili Panaghi
- Department of Psychology, Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Shohreh Mohseni
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Naghmeh Mansouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Research Center, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Afarin Rahimi Movaghar
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
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Poreddi V, Thimmaiah R, Ramu R, Selvi S, Gandhi S, Math SB. Gender Differences Related to Attitudes Toward Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. Community Ment Health J 2016; 52:228-32. [PMID: 26293749 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-015-9913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This descriptive study examined gender differences related to attitudes toward suicide among randomly selected urban residents. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire through face-to-face interview. Our findings revealed that men hold more pro preventive attitudes to help persons with suicidal thoughts (80.3 %, p = 0.05) and agreed that suicidal attempts are impulsive (78.6 %, p = 0.01). However, they hold permissive attitude to help persons with incurable diseases and expressing death wishes to die (66 %, p = 0.05). A majority of men (78.6 %) than women agreed that "suicidal attempt is essentially a cry for help" (χ (2) = 11.798, p = 0.05). These gender differences need to be taken into consideration when developing appropriate programs to prevent suicide. Further, decriminalizing the law, high-quality research and raising awareness about suicide prevention among the general population is crucial in developing countries like India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayalakshmi Poreddi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India.
| | - Rohini Thimmaiah
- Department of Psychiatry, Videhi Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Rajalakshmi Ramu
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India
| | - Sugavana Selvi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India
| | - Sailaxmi Gandhi
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Institute of National Importance, Bangalore, 560 029, India
| | - Suresh Bada Math
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Institute of National Importance), Bangalore, India
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Reynders A, Kerkhof AJFM, Molenberghs G, Van Audenhove C. Stigma, Attitudes, and Help-Seeking Intentions for Psychological Problems in Relation to Regional Suicide Rates. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2016. [PMID: 26207530 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this ecological study, we investigated whether help-seeking related to stigma, intentions, and attitudes toward suicide are associated with the suicide rates of 20 regions within the Netherlands and Belgium. Significant associations were found between regional suicide rates and the intention to seek informal help (β = -1.47, p = .001), self-stigma (β = 1.33, p = .038), and shame (β = .71, p = .030). The association between self-stigma and suicide rate was mediated by intentions to seek informal help. These results suggest that to promote suicide prevention at the level of the regional population, stigma, shame, and intentions to seek help should be targeted in the public domain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ad J F M Kerkhof
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and EMGO+ Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (I-BioStat), KU Leuven - UHasselt, Leuven, Belgium
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Ji NJ, Hong YP, Lee WY. Comprehensive psychometric examination of the attitudes towards suicide (ATTS) in South Korea. Int J Ment Health Syst 2016; 10:2. [PMID: 26779283 PMCID: PMC4715305 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-016-0035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to examine the validity and reliability of the Korean version of attitudes towards suicide (ATTS) on a group of university students, which would contribute to the evaluation of the ATTS as a useful tool of measuring attitudes toward suicide in South Korea with very high suicide rates. Methods The subjects of the study were 195 undergraduates at Chung-Ang University, South Korea in 2013. The measure for assessing public attitudes towards suicide was ATTS made up of 34 items in English and the Korean version of it was produced by forward and backward translation procedure. To identify any factors unique to South Koreans’ attitudes towards suicide, we applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to the data from 195 university students and was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess construct validity of the Korean version. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed using Cronbach’s α and the assessment of the test–retest reliability was performed by intraclass correlation coefficients. Results On the EFA analysis, were excluded, the tool had 11 factors (32 items), accounting for 62.99 % of the total variance in participants’ responses. CFA failed to support 11-factor model of the scale. Six out of 11 factors were acceptable in terms of both internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Conclusions Six factors of the Korean version of the ATTS had acceptable content validity and reliability. However, on the whole, it did not have good construct validity and thus further investigations are needed to develop a scale measuring true public attitudes toward suicide in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Ju Ji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756 Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Pyo Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756 Republic of Korea
| | - Weon-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756 Republic of Korea
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Ghasemi P, Shaghaghi A, Allahverdipour H. Measurement Scales of Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes: A Systematic Review Article. Health Promot Perspect 2015; 5:156-68. [PMID: 26634193 PMCID: PMC4667258 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2015.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The main aim of this study was to accumulate research evidence that introduce validated scales to measure suicidal attitudes and ideation and provide an empirical framework for adopting a relevant assessment tool in studies on suicide and suicidal behaviors. Methods: Medical Subject Headings’ (MeSH) terms were used to search Ovid Medline, PROQUEST, Wiley online library, Science Direct and PubMed for the published articles in English that reported application of an scale to measure suicidal attitudes and ideation from January 1974 onward. Results: Fourteen suicidal attitude scale and 15 scales for assessing suicidal ideation were identified in this systematic review. No gold standard approach was recognized to study suicide related attitudes and ideations. Conclusion:
Special focus on generally agreed dimensions of suicidal ideation and attitudes and cross-cultural validation of the introduced scales to be applicable in different ethnic and socially diverse populations could be a promising area of research for scholars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Ghasemi
- Health Education and Promotion Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Shaghaghi
- Medical Education Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Meissner B, Bantjes J, Kagee A. I Would Rather Just Go Through With It Than Be Called a Wussy: An Exploration of How a Group of Young South African Men Think and Talk About Suicide. Am J Mens Health 2015; 10:338-48. [PMID: 25631278 DOI: 10.1177/1557988314568183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide suicide is a deeply gendered phenomenon. In South Africa, approximately 80% of suicide completers are male. This study aimed to investigate how a group of young South African men understand and think about suicidal behavior. In-depth semistructured interviews and thematic analysis using a grounded theory approach revealed that this group of young South African men had permissive attitudes to suicide and viewed suicide as a morally defensible alternative in specific situations. They spoke of suicide as a goal-directed behavior that provides a means of regaining control, asserting power, communicating, and rendering oneself visible. From this perspective, suicide was understood as a brave act requiring strength and determination. These data have congruence with the Theory of Gender and Health, which proposes that constructions of masculinity may be implicated in the attitudes and beliefs young men in South Africa hold toward suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Meissner
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Jason Bantjes
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Grimholt TK, Haavet OR, Jacobsen D, Sandvik L, Ekeberg O. Perceived competence and attitudes towards patients with suicidal behaviour: a survey of general practitioners, psychiatrists and internists. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:208. [PMID: 24886154 PMCID: PMC4048050 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Competence and attitudes to suicidal behaviour among physicians are important to provide high-quality care for a large patient group. The aim was to study different physicians’ attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and their perceived competence to care for suicidal patients. Methods A random selection (n = 750) of all registered General Practitioners, Psychiatrists and Internists in Norway received a questionnaire. The response rate was 40%. The Understanding of Suicidal Patients Scale (USP; scores < 23 = positive attitude) and items about suicide in case of incurable illness from the Attitudes Towards Suicide Questionnaire were used. Five-point Likert scales were used to measure self-perceived competence, level of commitment, empathy and irritation felt towards patients with somatic and psychiatric diagnoses. Questions about training were included. Results The physicians held positive attitudes towards suicide attempters (USP = 20.3, 95% CI: 19.6–20.9). Internists and males were significantly less positive. There were no significant differences in the physicians in their attitudes toward suicide in case of incurable illness according to specialty. The physicians were most irritated and less committed to substance misuse patients. Self perceived competence was relatively high. Forty-three percent had participated in courses about suicide assessment and treatment. Conclusions The physicians reported positive attitudes and relatively high competence. They were least committed to treat patients with substance misuse. None of the professional groups thought that patients with incurable illness should be given help to commit suicide. Further customized education with focus on substance misuse might be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine K Grimholt
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb, 4950 Nydalen, Oslo 0424, Norway.
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28
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Norheim AB, Grimholt TK, Ekeberg Ø. Attitudes towards suicidal behaviour in outpatient clinics among mental health professionals in Oslo. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:90. [PMID: 23510325 PMCID: PMC3608315 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate attitudes of professionals working in mental health care outpatient clinics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) (for children and adolescents aged 0-18 years) and District Psychiatric Centres (DPC) (for adults aged 18-67 years). METHODS Professionals in four outpatient units in Oslo were enrolled (n = 229: 77%). The Understanding of Suicidal Patient scale (USP) (11 = positive to 55 = negative) and Attitudes Towards Suicide questionnaire (ATTS) (1 = totally disagree to 5 = totally agree) were used to assess professionals' attitudes. Questions explored competence, religion, experiences of and views on suicidal behaviour and its treatment. RESULTS All the professionals indicated positive attitudes (USP 18.7) and endorsed the view that suicide was preventable (ATTS 4.3). Professionals who had received supervision or were specialists had attitudes that were more positive. Professionals in CAP were less satisfied with available treatment. Psychiatric disorders were considered the most common cause of suicidal behaviour, and psychotherapy the most appropriate form of treatment. The professionals confirmed that patients with other disorders of comparable severity are followed up more systematically. CONCLUSIONS The professionals showed positive attitudes with minor differences between CAP and DPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tine Kristin Grimholt
- Regional Centre of Violence Traumatic stress and suicide Prevention Eastern Norway, Gaustad, Oslo University Hospital, Gaustad 0514, Oslo,Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Postboks 4956, Nydalen 0424, Oslo
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Postboks 4956, Nydalen 0424, Oslo
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Blosnich J, Bossarte R. Suicide acceptability among U.S. Veterans with active duty experience: results from the 2010 General Social Survey. Arch Suicide Res 2013; 17:52-7. [PMID: 23387403 PMCID: PMC3601790 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2013.748415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine whether U.S. Veterans more frequently indicate suicide acceptability than non-Veterans. The 2010 General Social Survey, which employed a probability-based sample of U.S. adults, was analyzed by self-reported Veteran status on suicide acceptability in four, separate hypothetical situations regarding ending one's life (i.e., incurable illness, bankruptcy, bringing dishonor/shame upon family, tired of living and ready to die). Veterans were no more likely to endorse suicide as acceptable than their non-Veteran counterparts. Results suggest that attitudes approving of suicide are not different among Veterans in general and non-Veterans. However, future research may need to examine whether subpopulations of Veterans with elevated risk for suicide may report differential attitudes about suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Blosnich
- Department of Veterans Affairs VISN-2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention , University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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Boyd KA, Chung H. Opinions toward suicide: Cross-national evaluation of cultural and religious effects on individuals. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2012; 41:1565-1580. [PMID: 23017974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the role that religious and cultural values have on individual opinions toward suicide worldwide. Using multilevel modeling with data from the fourth wave of the World Values Survey (42,299 individuals in 43 countries), the current study is designed to analyze the effect of individual (i.e., micro-level), and country (i.e., macro-level) characteristics on opinions toward suicide. Specifically, cultural values, religious affiliation, religious importance, and church attendance are analyzed at both the individual and country levels to evaluate the impact of individual and country level effects on opinions toward suicide. The results show that individual opinions toward suicide are influenced by individual belief as well as by the cultural and religious characteristics of their country. The results suggest that evaluation of individual opinions toward controversial behavior should account for the unique and cross-interaction effects of micro- and macro-level effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Boyd
- Department of Criminal Justice, Graduate Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA.
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Nader IW, Tran US, Baranyai P, Voracek M. Investigating dimensionality of Eskin's attitudes toward suicide scale with Mokken scaling and confirmatory factor analysis. Arch Suicide Res 2012; 16:226-37. [PMID: 22852784 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2012.695271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Attitudes toward suicide are often investigated by means of questionnaires, most of which are overly long or of low psychometric quality. Eskin's ( 2004 ) Attitudes Towards Suicide Scale is short and first investigations suggest good psychometric properties, but its factor structure has scarcely been explored. Hence, we examined this instrument by a data-analytic approach that combines Mokken scaling and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results revealed 6 factors, of which 1 possessed only weak measurement properties. CFAs indicated only borderline fit of models found in prior research, but adequate fit for the scale structures revealed by Mokken scaling. Psychometric properties of these scales were satisfactory. Both the instrument as well as the methodological approach presented here can be recommended for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo W Nader
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebigstrasse 5, Vienna, Austria.
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Li X, Phillips MR. The acceptability of suicide among rural residents, urban residents, and college students from three locations in China: a cross-sectional survey. CRISIS 2011; 31:183-93. [PMID: 20801748 DOI: 10.1027/0027-5910/a000024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community attitudes about suicide and their relationship to suicidal behavior have not been adequately investigated in low- and middle-income countries. AIMS To compare the acceptability of suicide in different population cohorts in China, identify factors that affect the degree of acceptability, and assess the relationship of cohort-specific acceptability of suicide and suicide rates. METHODS A multistage stratified random sample of 608 rural residents, 582 urban residents, and 629 college students were administered a 25-item scale studying the likelihood they would consider suicide (on a 5-point Likert scale) if they experienced a variety of stressors ranging from "being disciplined at work" to "developing a chronic mental illness." The internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the scale are excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92, ICC = 0.75). RESULTS College students had the most permissive attitudes about suicide, and urban residents were significantly more accepting of suicide as a response to serious life stressors than were rural residents. Multivariate analysis found that the overall acceptability score was higher in women, decreased with age, and increased with years of education. CONCLUSIONS There was no clear relationship between cohort-specific acceptance of suicide and reported rates of suicide, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between attitudes about suicide (of which acceptability is only one component) and suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyun Li
- WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Zhang J, Jia CX. Attitudes toward suicide: the effect of suicide death in the family. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2010; 60:365-82. [PMID: 20397616 DOI: 10.2190/om.60.4.d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There have been few reports on the effect of suicide death on family members' attitudes toward suicide. In order to estimate the extent to which suicide death affects attitudes toward suicide among family members of suicides, data of 264 informants from a case-control psychological autopsy study were analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in attitudes toward suicide, measured by the General Social Survey's (GSS) four questions, between informants of suicides and informants of living controls, between family members of suicides and family members of living controls, or between family members of suicides and non-family members of suicides. Our findings did not support the hypothesis that suicide death affects the attitudes toward suicide in suicides' family members. However, some factors were found to be related to the pro-suicide attitudes measured by the four questions included in the GSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Central University of Finance and Economics, School of Social Development, China
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