The role of stressful life events preceding death by suicide: Evidence from two samples of suicide decedents

Abstract

Stressful life events (SLEs) are associated with increased risk for suicidal behavior. Less is known regarding the intensity of SLEs and how this may vary as a function of suicide attempt history. As a large percentage of suicide decedents do not have a history of suicidal behavior, SLEs precipitating suicide may help characterize suicidality in this understudied population. This paper examines the intensity, number, and accumulation of SLEs preceding death by suicide among decedents with varying suicide attempt histories. Suicide attempts, SLEs, and suicide methods were examined in two samples: 62 prison-based and 117 community-based suicide decedents. Regression was used to compare the level of stressor precipitating death by suicide in decedents who died on a first attempt versus multiple previous attempts. A non-significant trend was observed in the prison population which was supported by significant findings in the community-based sample. Decedents who died on a first attempt experienced a stressor of a lower magnitude when compared to decedents with multiple previous suicide attempts. We discuss the implications of these findings in relation to the stress-diathesis model for suicide.

The Role and Comparison of Stressful Life Events in Suicide and Suicide Attempt: A Descriptive-Analytical Study

“…Only a few studies have been carried out to assess the relationship between SLEs and risks of suicide, and this study is one of them on SLEs and suicide in Iran. Some other relevant studies have been conducted worldwide, including a study in China (18,19), a population-based study in Denmark (12), and a study in the USA (11). Also, most of the studies in western countries have examined SLEs in SAs (3,12,20), whereas the current study explored both suicide and SAs.…”

“…As noted above, the number of studies on the correlation between SLEs and suicide or SA is limited and most of them have been conducted in western societies (11,13). Also, studies in western countries have focused on investigating the relationship between SLEs and SA rather than suicide.…”

“…As mentioned, stressful life events (SLEs) as one of the main risk factors for SBs are increasing as a global prevalence, and often have been linked to impulsive SA (11)(12)(13). Individuals with a history of suicide or SA are at high risk for SLEs in their lifetime (11).…”

“…As mentioned, stressful life events (SLEs) as one of the main risk factors for SBs are increasing as a global prevalence, and often have been linked to impulsive SA (11)(12)(13). Individuals with a history of suicide or SA are at high risk for SLEs in their lifetime (11). SLEs, such as family or marital disagreement and conflicts, unexpected loss of loved ones, early marriage, serious financial problems, and other stress factors are increasing in Iran and worldwide and are extremely associated with suicide and SA (9).…”

Risk-taking behaviors and stressors differentially predict suicidal preparation, non-fatal suicide attempts, and suicide deaths

“…Negative life events may serve as the precipitant that triggers a suicidal crisis. Negative life events are more common among individuals who experience fatal and non-fatal suicide attempts than among individuals in the general population (Buchman-Schmitt et al, 2017; McFeeters et al, 2015). Suicidal ideation and suicidal actions have been associated with the number, severity (Buchman-Schmitt et al, 2017), type (DeJong et al, 2010), and timing (Bagge et al, 2014) of negative life experiences.…”