Do Older Adults with Parent(s) Alive Experience Higher Psychological Pain and Suicidal Ideation? A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Abstract

Elderly mental health promotion is an important task in the current “Healthy China Action”. This study aims to (a) clarify the psychological pain and suicidal ideation of the Chinese elderly with different parental states, (b) examine the associated factors of psychological pain and suicidal ideation, and (c) examine the relationship between psychological pain and suicidal ideation. A sample of 4622 adults aged 60 years and older were included in this study, from the China’s Health-related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. Participants with both parents alive demonstrated the heaviest psychological pain, and those with one parent alive observed significantly lowest psychological pain and suicidal ideation. Participants who were single, divorced, or widowed, live in rural areas, had higher education level, had lower family income, suffered from two or more chronic diseases, and had no self-care ability were more likely to experience psychological pain and suicidal ideation. In addition, higher psychological pain significantly associated with the occurrence of suicidal ideation. In China, much more attention should be paid to the mental health condition of the elderly, especially for those with both parents alive. Moreover, the associated factors above should be considered to develop targeted health interventions.

Influencing factors of psychological pain among older people in China: A cross-sectional study

“…The total scores range from 13 to 65, with higher scores representing higher psychological pain. Many Chinese scholars have proven the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of PAS [ 10 , 43 ]. In our study, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.964 and KMO was 0.967 (more details about the questionnaires can be seen in the supplementary document).…”

“…Neurobiological evidence also suggests that psychological pain may be related to cognitive decline [ 5 ]. Additionally, it is noted that previous studies demonstrate robust associations between psychological pain and suicide [ [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] ], as severe psychological pain can serve as a primary motivation and impetus for suicide [ 3 , 11 ]. Chronic psychological pain can lead to a variety of psychological health problems associated with suicide risk such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders [ 12 ], and can weaken an individual's coping abilities, making it difficult for them to effectively cope with life's difficulties and pressures, which can lead them to consider suicide as a means of escaping reality [ 13 ].…”

“…Considering the physiological, cognitive and socio-psychological changes that come with aging, older people may be prone to psychological suffering manifesting as loneliness, helplessness and other maladaptive affective states [ 18 ]. Current studies indicate that higher socioeconomic status (e.g., educational level, income, occupation) [ 26 , 27 ], better health condition (e.g., Body Mass Index, chronic diseases) [ 10 , 28 ] and positive health behaviors (e.g., smoking and drinking) [ 29 , 30 ] can significantly help to relieve the negative emotions (e.g., depression, anxiety) in later life. Additionally, older people who were female and living alone appear more susceptible to experiecning emotional and cognitive pain [ 10 , 31 ].…”

“…Current studies indicate that higher socioeconomic status (e.g., educational level, income, occupation) [ 26 , 27 ], better health condition (e.g., Body Mass Index, chronic diseases) [ 10 , 28 ] and positive health behaviors (e.g., smoking and drinking) [ 29 , 30 ] can significantly help to relieve the negative emotions (e.g., depression, anxiety) in later life. Additionally, older people who were female and living alone appear more susceptible to experiecning emotional and cognitive pain [ 10 , 31 ]. Greater social interactions (e.g., social capital) [ [32] , [33] , [34] ] also demonstrate utility in reducing negative emotions among older adults.…”

“…According to the statistics of the seventh national census in China in 2020, population aged 60 and over is about 264 million, accounting for 18.5 % of the total population [ 35 ]. The number of Chinese people aged 60 and above will reach 487 million, which consists of 34.9 % of total population by 2050 [ 10 ]. Against this backdrop, China's “Health China 2030 Plan” has prioritized preventing and managing mental disorders and psycho-behavioral problems among older adults.…”