Loneliness in Relation to Suicide Ideation and Parasuicide: A Population‐Wide Study

Abstract

Some links between loneliness and different manifestations of suicidal conduct have been reported in variety of subgroups (e.g., college students, the elderly, psychiatric patients). We tested this hypothesis by using the results of a population-wide survey. Strong associations among suicide ideation, parasuicide and different ways of being lonely and alone, defined either subjectively (i.e., the feeling), or objectively (i.e., living alone or being without friends), were observed. Moreover, prevalence of suicide ideation and parasuicide increased with the degree of loneliness. Only minimal differences between men and women were found.

Seafarers’ depression and suicide

“…Similarly, Alfiani ([45], p. 34) argues that there is a "cultural adjustment period" in which the seafarer may experience "mental pressure and psychological constraint" due to not knowing the cultural boundaries with his/her crewmates", and that speaking one's mother tongue could produce suspicion among non-speakers of that language. This may contribute to loneliness and unsatisfying social relationships, potential risk factors for depression and suicide [13,15]. Progoulaki [46] notes the importance of 'soft' social skills to seafarers.…”

“…This is not as valid as the direct use of observations on depression and suicide, but given the lack of consistent data it is warranted, especially as there is much medical literature which indicates that factors such as stress and loneliness are related to depression and suicide [13][14][15][16].…”

Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Depressed Outpatients

“…14 Studies attempting to identify gender differences in rates of SI have had mixed results, with some researchers finding higher prevalence rates in women, 3,13,[15][16][17] some reports indicating higher rates of SI in men, 13 and others finding no gender distinctions. 4,[18][19][20] Employment and marital status have been shown to be associated with SI, with unemployed and unmarried people being significantly more likely to have SI. 6,21 While the prevalence rates of completed suicides appear to indicate that younger adults are at greater risk of death by suicide, there are some inconsistencies in the data, with several trials finding younger people more likely to have SI, 19,22 and at least one study failing to find an association between age and SI.…”

The association between filial piety and loneliness among Chinese older adults in the greater Chicago area

“…[2,3] Chronic feelings of loneliness may indicate negative health consequences including high blood pressure, worsened immune and cognitive function, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and subsequently, increased mortality. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Older immigrants are especially vulnerable to loneliness since they may encounter tremendous changes in their social lives while adapting to living in another country. Many older immigrants struggle to maintain their international social connections, and further, linguistic and cultural barriers impede their efforts to establish new social networks and relationships in the host country.…”