Racial Differences in the Relationship Between Pain and Suicide Desire in Older Adults

Abstract

Older adults are reported to die by suicide at higher rates than the general population. Suicide desire among older adults is associated with pain, and pain experiences have been found to differ based on race. To investigate the relationship between pain and suicidal desire, 437 racially diverse older adults who receive home-based services (home-delivered meals) in the Southeastern region of the United States completed standardized measures of psychological pain, chronic physical pain, and suicidal desire. Results identified race moderated the relationship between pain and suicidal desire, indicating a stronger relationship between pain and suicidal desire among Black older adults than White older adults. Chronic physical pain (i.e., emotional burden) interacted with race to predict Perceived Burdensomeness ( p = .011) and Thwarted Belongingness ( p = .032). Greater attention to pain experiences among Black older adults is warranted, considering the impact of COVID-19 on racial/ethnic minorities’ mental health.

Suicide risk factors among older adults: Implications for counselors as Medicare providers

“…Pain is a well‐established risk factor for suicide desire (Shannonhouse et al., 2022) and suicide behavior (Santos et al., 2020) among older adults. Chronic pain amplifies suicide desire and is associated with loneliness and social isolation among older adults (Conejero et al., 2018; Smith et al., 2019).…”