Introduction This study examined the application of the interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide to community‐dwelling older persons in South Korea. Methods A cross‐sectional study design was used. The data were collected by surveying 200 older persons (117 female, 83 male) aged over 65 years at welfare centers for older persons. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Suicidal Ideation Scale, and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale were used to assess participants' thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, suicidal ideation, attempts, and the capability for suicide. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the fitness of a model based on the interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide. This theory described that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness lead to suicidal ideation, which is transformed into suicide attempts through an acquired capability for suicide. Results Perceived burdensomeness was significantly associated with suicidal ideation among older persons, whereas thwarted belongingness was not. Furthermore, suicidal ideation influenced suicide attempts. The acquired capability for suicide moderated the relationship between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Conclusions To prevent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among older persons, it is important to prevent them from feeling that they are a burden.

BackgroundCancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and most patients with cancer in South Korea die in hospitals. Oncology nurses experience physical, emotional, and occupational challenges associated with the psychological burden of caring for dying patients.ObjectiveThis study explored the coping strategies used by oncology nurses to deal with the psychological burden of patient deaths.MethodsIn this descriptive qualitative study, 10 oncology nurses who had recently experienced a patient’s death were recruited via snowball sampling. All were female, with a mean age of 32.9 years (range, 27–44 years), and their mean working duration was 9.9 (range, 3-23) years. Participants were interviewed individually face-to-face 3 times, with each interview lasting 1 to 1.5 hours.ResultsOncology nurses coped with the psychological burden of a patient’s death in the following 4 ways: (a) avoiding patient deaths to the extent possible, (b) reflecting upon the meaning of life and death, (c) suppressing their emotional distress over the patient’s death, and (d) becoming kinder and more caring toward people around them.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that oncology nurses struggle to cope with the psychological burden of patient deaths. Oncology nurses are affected both negatively and positively by experiencing death as they provide end-of-life care.Implications for PracticeOncology nurses need education or counseling to reduce the psychological burden of caring for dying patients with cancer. Hospital administrators need to continuously identify ways to reduce the psychological burden of oncology nurses providing end-of-life care.