Suicidal women may risk their lives but not their social relationships

Abstract

Objective Risk‐taking is an important but understudied suicidal factor, particularly concerning women. This study examined a broad range of risk behaviours and perceptions that might aid the early detection of suicidality by clinicians and gatekeepers. Method A purposive anonymous online survey, preferable for collecting data on stigmatised issues, produced a sample of 273 Australian/New Zealand women (aged 18–67 years) covering a broad spectrum of suicidal factors and risk‐taking behaviours. Participants completed items on risk‐taking perceptions and behavioural willingness, and the Suicidal Affect‐Behavior‐Cognition Scale. Demographic factors were controlled for in partial correlations and hierarchical regression modelling, which tested the validity of risk‐taking variables as predictors of suicidality. Results Suicidality was positively associated with willingness to engage in infidelity, not wearing seatbelts or motorcycle helmets, and negatively associated with interpersonal risk‐taking (unwillingness to endanger social relationships). Hierarchical regression modelling revealed these risk‐taking perceptions and behaviours explained 34% of the variance in women's suicidality, after accounting for age and ethnicity. Conclusions This study demonstrated that some types of commonplace risk‐taking, or avoidance, may serve as important indicators or warning signs for suicidal crises in women. Clinicians should consider possible underlying psychological distress when encountering these symptoms and behaviours.

Psychological mechanisms of the development of suicidal ideation: Longitudinal cohort study

“…One score increase in health risk tolerance was positively associated with a 17% increase in the incidence of suicidal ideation and 37% greater odds of having a greater level of suicidal ideation. This finding is in line with previous studies showing that people who have attempted suicide have greater risk tolerance (Colbert et al., 2021; Franklin et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2020; Pasculli & Harris, 2018). As suggested by the IPTS, a lack of fear of physical pain and death may be a key component in suicide.…”

“…Health risk tolerance involves situations where an individual tolerates possible negative health consequences. Several studies have reported a positive link between positive risk attitudes and suicide (Colbert et al, 2021;Franklin et al, 2019;Huang et al, 2020;Pasculli & Harris, 2018). Franklin et al (2019) found that people who engaged in suicidal behaviors in virtual reality had significantly increased risk-taking, including risk-taking in the health domain, than those who did not engage in suicidal behaviors.…”

“…Health risk tolerance involves situations where an individual tolerates possible negative health consequences. Several studies have reported a positive link between positive risk attitudes and suicide (Colbert et al., 2021; Franklin et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2020; Pasculli & Harris, 2018). Franklin et al.…”