Disentangling Rates, Risk, and Drivers of Suicide in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Research suggests construction industry workers (CIWs) face increased suicide vulnerability. Aims: The current study synthesizes international evidence examining rates, risk, and drivers of CIW suicide. Method: Comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature were undertaken, identifying studies that discussed, theorized about, or demonstrated risks and/or rates and/or drivers of CIW suicide, without inclusion of other industries. Results: A number of included studies statistically analyzed suicide outcomes in a variety of CIW populations, with the majority reporting increased rate and/or risk, however significant heterogeneity limited comparisons. Twenty-five potential drivers were identified and classified as personal- or industry-related. Disentanglement highlighted the relevance of previously understood personal drivers, need for future focus on industry drivers, and potential interplay between drivers. Limitations: Exclusion of non-English articles as well as inability to extend analysis to fully understand rates and/or risk of CIW suicide and tenuous links between suggested drivers and suicide outcomes. Conclusion: Despite limitations, this paper aids understanding in relation to the suggestion that CIWs are at increased suicide vulnerability. Disentanglement of potential drivers demonstrates the importance of future research focused on industry drivers to assist in prevention strategies.

Suicidal Ideation in the Australian Construction Industry: Prevalence and the Associations of Psychosocial Job Adversity and Adherence to Traditional Masculine Norms

“…Previous research has proposed a wide range of potential drivers of suicide in the global construction industry, including commonly understood bio-psychosocial factors such as socioeconomic status, relationship status, drug and alcohol misuse and age [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. However, while these factors may play a role in the presence of suicidal ideation for the ACI, as shown in other populations, less than desirable empirical evidence is available and a lack of research focused on potential industry drivers is also evident [ 13 , 14 ]. In fact, while recent systematic and literature reviews of the area highlight the potential role of a number of industry factors, little to no research has moved past theoretical suggestion of the role may play [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…However, while these factors may play a role in the presence of suicidal ideation for the ACI, as shown in other populations, less than desirable empirical evidence is available and a lack of research focused on potential industry drivers is also evident [ 13 , 14 ]. In fact, while recent systematic and literature reviews of the area highlight the potential role of a number of industry factors, little to no research has moved past theoretical suggestion of the role may play [ 13 , 14 ]. Furthermore, recent reviews highlight the need for research to account for potential cultural and socio-political differences within which the industry functions, suggesting national research streams are imperative to create more rigorous understandings [ 13 , 15 ].…”

“…In fact, while recent systematic and literature reviews of the area highlight the potential role of a number of industry factors, little to no research has moved past theoretical suggestion of the role may play [ 13 , 14 ]. Furthermore, recent reviews highlight the need for research to account for potential cultural and socio-political differences within which the industry functions, suggesting national research streams are imperative to create more rigorous understandings [ 13 , 15 ].…”

“…Additionally, adherence to traditional masculine norms, is also regularly suggested as playing a key role in increasing risk of suicide and suicidal ideation for those in the ACI [ 5 , 13 ]. The conceptual framework that informs this suggestion is that many men engage with these certain roles, attitudes, behaviors, and meanings considered appropriate by a society or culture’s ‘dominant’ and ‘traditional’ representation of what it is to be, or is expected of, a man [ 17 ].…”

“…The conceptual framework that informs this suggestion is that many men engage with these certain roles, attitudes, behaviors, and meanings considered appropriate by a society or culture’s ‘dominant’ and ‘traditional’ representation of what it is to be, or is expected of, a man [ 17 ]. Due to social conventions and the desire to “fit in”, it has been suggested that men will adhere to these norms with subsequent belief that due to the high levels of male employment in the ACI, a culture may have developed that further encourages adherence to traditional masculine norms [ 5 , 13 , 17 , 18 ]. Broader research has proposed the role of adherence to traditional masculine norms in male suicidal behaviours, suggesting it may drive gender differences seen in suicidality, including increased use of lethal means by men, potential for restricted emotionality regarding serious (e.g., presence of mental health conditions or relationship breakdowns) and increased levels of stoicism that may impact help seeking behaviors [ 5 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”