Association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression in individuals with schizophrenia: moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends

Abstract

Loneliness is prevalent among individuals with mental illnesses. This cross-sectional survey study examined the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends on the association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression in individuals with schizophrenia. In total, 300 participants (267 with schizophrenia and 33 with schizoaffective disorder) completed the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale (Version 3); suicide module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; Family and Friend Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index; and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moderation analysis was performed to examine the moderating effects of self-esteem and perceived support from families and friends on the association of loneliness with suicide risk and depression. The results found that self-esteem was significantly associated with a reduced magnitude of depression in participants with loneliness. In addition, perceived support from friends was significantly associated with a reduced magnitude of suicide risk in participants with loneliness. Our findings indicate the importance of intervention programs that strengthen support from friends and self-esteem in reducing suicide risk and depression among lonely individuals with schizophrenia.

Predictors of Motivation to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination and the Number of COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Received in Patients with Schizophrenia

“…The Study on Stigma and Social Relationships in Individuals with Schizophrenia [ 31 , 32 ] invited 300 individuals with the diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosed by psychiatrists according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [ 33 ] from the psychiatric outpatient clinics of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and two institutes for psychiatric rehabilitation in the communities of Southern Taiwan from 1 February 2022 to 31 May 2022. The age distribution of the participants ranged from 20 to 70 years old ( Mage = 44.6 years).…”