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Xie X, Qiao X, Huang CC, Cheung SP. Mindfulness and loneliness in retired older adults in China: mediation effects of positive and negative affect. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:188-195. [PMID: 37493469 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2240261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Drawing from the mindfulness framework and the broaden-and-build theory, this study investigates the extent to which mindfulness influences loneliness and whether the relation is mediated by positive and negative affect.Method: Data were collected from 748 retired older adults aged 60 and above in Chengdu, China in 2022. Loneliness and mindfulness were measured by the UCLA loneliness scale and by the short-form version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, while the positive and negative affect was assessed by the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.Results: The results of this study show that mindfulness was positively associated with positive affect (β = 0.37, p<.001), negatively related to negative affect (β=-0.21, p<.001) and loneliness (β=-0.13, p<.001), and had an indirect effect on loneliness via positive and negative affect (β=-0.20, p<.001).Conclusion: The findings suggest that mindfulness could be a positive resource for improving mental health and reducing loneliness among retired older adults in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Xie
- Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance & Economics, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xingyong Qiao
- Research Institute of Social Development, Southwestern University of Finance & Economics, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Jia H, Sai X, Si H, Wang J. How do the non-cognitive skills affect retirees' reemployment? Evidence from China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1128241. [PMID: 38169704 PMCID: PMC10758448 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Promoting the reemployment of retirees is important to effectively recognize the capacity of older adults and to help governments cope with an aging global population. Existing research on the factors that impact reemployment has mainly focused on the role of traditional forms of human capital, like education and experience, while ignoring non-cognitive skills. Methods Based on 3,693 samples, this study examines the impact of non-cognitive skills on the reemployment of Chinese retirees using the Logit model through the lens of human capital theory. Results The results show that non-cognitive skills incentivize retirees to seek reemployment. The incentive effect is greater for retirees who are male, live in a rural household, and are of lower age and education level. Further, the mediation effect model reveals the mediating role of social capital between non-cognitive skills and the reemployment of retirees. Social capital is important to the promotion of retiree reemployment. Discussion This study ultimately sheds light on the relationship between non-cognitive skills and the reemployment of retirees. Findings will help improve governments' understandings of non-cognitive skills so that they may develop better policies on retiree reemployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jia
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sai
- School of Sociology and Ethnology, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS), Beijing, China
| | - Hongyun Si
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan, China
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Zabelina EV, Deyneka OS, Chestyunina YV, Vedeneeva EV. The Role of Psychological Time in Late Socialization. A SEM Analysis. Psychol Russ 2023; 16:149-167. [PMID: 38024568 PMCID: PMC10659230 DOI: 10.11621/pir.2023.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological time, a subjective reflection of the objective passage of time, has age specific characteristics and can be considered a resource for adaptation to difficult life situations (Pultz, & Hviid, 2016). We assume that the components of psychological time are also a resource for adaptation to retirement, smoothing out undesirable social and biological changes in retirees' lives. Objective This study explores this hypothesis by identifying the contribution of the cognitive component of psychological time - temporal focus and subjective age - to the effectiveness of late socialization. Design The developed theoretical model was verified by the SEM method on the sample of retirees from Chelyabinsk, Russia (N = 291). To collect the empirical data we used the Temporal Focus Scale (Shipp et al., 2009), the Age of Me (Barak, 2009), the Life Satisfaction Scale (Diener & Lucas, 1999), the Income Satisfaction Scale (Deyneka, 2000), and questionnaire variables. Results Temporal focus and subjective age mediated the influence of biological and social variables on the retirees' subjective well-being. A younger subjective age smoothed the contribution of educational level, working status, and disability, whilst the current and future focuses mediated the association between religiosity and various parameters of satisfaction. Conclusion The results of the study broaden the understanding of psychological time in the late socialization process. A pronounced focus on the present, along with younger subjective age, can be seen as psychological resources, allowing for better adaptation to the social status of a retiree; that is, increasing the effectiveness of late socialization.
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Chen L, Zhang J, Zhang Z. Organizational participation in community and life satisfaction of retirees: The mediating roles of positive and negative affect and moderating role of family relation. Psych J 2021; 11:65-76. [PMID: 34761552 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between participation in community organizations and life satisfaction, and relevant mediating and moderating mechanisms among retirees. Positive and negative affect were considered as mediating variables, and family relation as a moderating variable. A total of 1132 community-dwelling retirees aged 50 years or more were investigated. A self-developed questionnaire with five items measured the level of organizational participation (OP) based on residential community. The Satisfaction with Life scale (SWLS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Family Cohesion sub-scale of Family Environment Scale (FES) were used to assess life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and family relation, respectively. Mplus was used to conduct mediating and moderating analyses after controlling for six demographic and socioeconomic factors. First, the results indicated that OP was positively associated with life satisfaction. Second, positive and negative affect partly mediated the relationship between OP and life satisfaction. Third, family relation negatively moderated the relationship between OP and life satisfaction; that is, compared with those retirees with good family relation, the beneficial role of OP in enhancing one's satisfaction was more significant for those retirees with poor family relation; furthermore, family relation also moderated the links of OP-negative affect. These findings suggested that OP related to life satisfaction of retirees through mediating roles of positive and negative affect, and family relation partly moderated the above direct and indirect processes. In a word, OP based on residential community had a positive role in buffering adverse influence of poor family relation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanshuang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Chen L, Zhang Z. Community Participation and Subjective Wellbeing: Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Needs Among Chinese Retirees. Front Psychol 2021; 12:743897. [PMID: 34744916 PMCID: PMC8569391 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.743897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Participation in various social organizations, including community organizations, has become an important part of later year. The current study examined the effects of community participation on subjective wellbeing (SWB) and mediating mechanisms among retired residents. Specifically, this study attempts to explain the link between community participation and SWB from the perspective of basic psychological needs (BPN). Methods: A total of 1,458 community-dwelling retirees aged ≥50years in China participated in this study. A self-developed questionnaire measured the general levels of community participation. BPN were assessed with the BPN Scale. SWB was represented by life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Results: Community participation positively predicted one’s SWB. Specifically, retirees with a higher levels of community participation often indicated higher life satisfaction and positive affect, and lower negative affect. Three BPN, which consist of needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, mediated the effect of community participation on SWB, respectively, after controlling for some main demographic and socioeconomic factors. Conclusion: The BPN perspective provides a comprehensive explanation for understanding the link between community participation and SWB. Policymakers should consider the role of community participation when developing measures to improve retirees’ quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanshuang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Santini S, Stara V, Galassi F, Merizzi A, Schneider C, Schwammer S, Stolte E, Kropf J. User Requirements Analysis of an Embodied Conversational Agent for Coaching Older Adults to Choose Active and Healthy Ageing Behaviors during the Transition to Retirement: A Cross-National User Centered Design Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9681. [PMID: 34574615 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Retirement is recognized as a factor influencing the ageing process. Today, virtual health coaching systems can play a pivotal role in supporting older adults’ active and healthy ageing. This study wants to answer two research questions: (1) What are the user requirements of a virtual coach (VC) based on an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) for motivating older adults in transition to retirement to adopt a healthy lifestyle? (2) How could a VC address the active and healthy ageing dimensions, even during COVID-19 times? Methods: Two-wave focus-groups with 60 end-users aged 55 and over and 27 follow-up telephone interviews were carried out in Austria, Italy and the Netherlands in 2019–2020. Qualitative data were analysed by way of framework analysis. Results: End-users suggest the VC should motivate older workers and retirees to practice physical activity, maintain social contacts and emotional well-being. The ECA should be reactive, customizable, expressive, sympathetic, not directive nor patronizing, with a pleasant and motivating language. The COVID-19 outbreak increased the users’ need for functions boosting community relationships and promoting emotional well-being. Conclusions: the VC can address the active and healthy ageing paradigm by increasing the chances of doing low-cost healthy activities at any time and in any place.
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Zhu C, Zhu M, Gao X, Liu X. How Does Self-Concept Differentiation Work in Chinese Retirees: A Moderated Mediation Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:555339. [PMID: 33679502 PMCID: PMC7930060 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.555339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-concept differentiation (SCD) is a sign of fragmentation of the self rather than specialization of role identities for its robust relationship with psychological adjustment. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the relationship between SCD and psychological adjustment. The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of self-consistency and congruence (SCC) in the association between SCD and psychological adjustment (psychological well-being, depression, and anxiety), and the moderating role of age in the relationship between SCD and SCC. This moderated mediation model was examined among 158 Chinese retirees (mean age = 71.12, SD = 9.13), who completed measurements regarding SCD, SCC, psychological well-being, anxiety, and depression. The results showed that SCC partially mediated the links between SCD and the indices of psychological adjustment. Furthermore, age moderated this mediation effect, which was found in mean and high-age participants, but not in low-age ones. Our findings indicate that, at different age stages, the internal mechanisms of SCD affecting psychological adaptation are not the same, and a low differentiated or highly integrated self can serve as an adaptive resource to maintain high subjective well-being of the elderly and protect them from anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzheng Zhu
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychology, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Social Work and Management, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangping Gao
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoshi Liu
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Stara V, Santini S, Kropf J, D'Amen B. Digital Health Coaching Programs Among Older Employees in Transition to Retirement: Systematic Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17809. [PMID: 32969827 PMCID: PMC7545329 DOI: 10.2196/17809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid increase of the aging population is pushing many national governments to reshape retirement legislation in order to extend older adults’ working life. Once retired, older adults can be invaluable resources for the community as family carers, as volunteers, or by returning to work. Healthy aging is one of the main conditions for being able to work longer and being active after retirement. The latter, indeed, represents a very sensitive life transition, which can entail psychological and social difficulties. Interventions for promoting older workers’ health and well-being and supporting the transition to retirement are on the top of the policy agenda of most European countries. Recently, computer-based and digital health interventions have been seen as promising means to reach this purpose. Objective This systematic literature review aimed to explore studies on digital health coaching programs for older workers that followed a user-centered design approach and evaluated their effectiveness in providing older adults with guidance for adopting a healthy lifestyle and being active in the community. Methods The search identified 1931 papers, and 2 relevant articles were selected by applying specific eligibility criteria. Results To our knowledge, only few digital health coaching programs have targeted the population of older workers to date; there is an insufficient number of studies on the efficacy of such programs. The results show the difficulties of assessing the efficacy of digital coaching itself and with respect to older employees. The 2 studies suggest that digital health programs for workplaces can improve various aspects of older employees’ well-being; however, they considered health mainly from a physical perspective and neglected contextual, social, psychological, and cultural factors that can influence older workers’ health and general well-being. Future digital health coaching programs should adopt the healthy aging paradigm as a multidimensional lens for interpreting the impact of eHealth technology on aging and retirement. The literature around this issue remains at an embryonic state, and this gap needs to be filled by further investigations that apply a user-centered approach for designing the technology, test innovative research methodologies, and adopt new technical solutions for high-quality interaction design. Conclusions Further digital health coaching programs aimed at supporting healthy and active living for older workers and retirees are necessary. The user-centered design approach is recommended in order to fully address the users’ health needs and the technological requirements throughout development. Moreover, the healthy aging perspective allows inclusion of physical, social, and psychological factors influencing the transition from work to retirement, as well as the experiences and interactions of individuals with the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Stara
- Model of Care and New Technologies, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, Ancona, Italy
| | - Johannes Kropf
- Health and Environment, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara D'Amen
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura per Anziani, Ancona, Italy
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Abstract
Facing an unprecedented surge of patient volumes and acuity, institutions around the globe called for volunteer healthcare workers to aid in the effort against COVID-19. Specifically being sought out are retirees. But retired healthcare workers are taking on significant risk to themselves in answering these calls. Aside from the risks that come from being on the frontlines of the epidemic, they are also at risk due to their age and the comorbidities that often accompany age. If, for current or future COVID efforts, we as a society will be so bold as to exhort a vulnerable population to take on further risk, we must use much care and attention in how we involve them in this effort. Herein we describe the multifaceted nature of the risks that retired healthcare workers are taking by entering the COVID-19 workforce as well as suggest ways in which we might take advantage of their medical skills and altruism yet while optimizing caution and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce F. Sabath
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Austin, TX, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The return to the labour market after retirement is an increasing phenomenon in the North American population. It is the subject of a growing number of studies, whose conclusions seem inconsistent. As returning to working life after retirement is not neutral for individuals, the aim of this article is to present the protocol of a scoping review about its effects on older workers' health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The methodology of Arksey and O'Malley, including the recommendations of Levac et al and Daudt et al will be used. The process is composed of seven steps, from the identification of the research question, to the planning of knowledge transfer activities. Documents dealing with retirees returning to work in connection with health will be explored and analysed using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval has been obtained for the consultation step of the protocol (ethics board of the Centre intégré universitaire en santé et services sociaux de la Capitale Nationale, project #2019-1753). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols checklist will be used to support transparency and guide translation of findings. Findings will be shared with various stakeholders involved in older workers' health. Findings will also be disseminated in workshops, peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lecours
- Département de réadaptation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Michèle Lord
- Département d’ergothérapie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Alessia Negrini
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et sécurité du travail, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rosalie Robitaille
- Département de réadaptation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Québec, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
This study uses role theory to examine the association between postretirement work and volunteering among retirees and to determine whether this association varies across poverty status. Data came from the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The sample was restricted to respondents of older retirees (N = 6,619). We found that postretirement work positively influenced volunteering. However, poverty can be a risk factor of volunteering among older retirees. The positive effect of post-retirement work was found to be more significant in the near-poverty group. We provide an empirical foundation to help inform volunteer programs for retirees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonyoung Cho
- a George Warren Brown School of Social Work , Washington University in Saint Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - BoRin Kim
- b Department of Social Work , University of New Hampshire , Durham , New Hampshire , USA
| | - Sojung Park
- a George Warren Brown School of Social Work , Washington University in Saint Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
| | - Jakyung Jang
- a George Warren Brown School of Social Work , Washington University in Saint Louis , St. Louis , Missouri , USA
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Violanti JM, Gu JK, Charles LE, Fekedulegn D, Andrew ME, Burchfiel CM. Is suicide higher among separated/retired police officers? an epidemiological investigation. Int J Emerg Ment Health 2011; 13:221-228. [PMID: 22900456 PMCID: PMC4700539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is often assumed that separated or retired officers are at increased risk for suicide. The goal of this study was to compare police suicide rates between currently working and separated/retired officers. A 55-year retrospective mortality police cohort was utilized consisting of 3228 officers who worked between January 1, 1950 and December 31, 2005. Poisson regression and survival analysis were used for comparisons. Adjusted for age and years of service, suicide rates were 8.4 (95% CI = 3.8-18.7) times higher in working officers vs. separated/retired officers (110.5 vs. 13.1 per 100,000 person-years respectively). Survival time to suicide was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) for current working officers, suggesting suicide in a significantly shorter time span. Previous research indicates that the majority of suicides in working officers occur in the five years just prior to retirement eligibility, suggesting a period of decision anxiety. Results suggest a higher risk of suicide among working compared to separated/retired officers. However, the need for suicide prevention efforts remains important among both active and retired police officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Violanti
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
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