Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors
Abstract Background Men account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in many Western nations including Australia. Whilst extensive research has examined risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in men, protective factors remain underexplored, particularly social support, resilience and c...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04539-9 |
| _version_ | 1797945833748955136 |
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| author | Zac E. Seidler Michael J. Wilson John L. Oliffe Krista Fisher Rory O’Connor Jane Pirkis Simon M. Rice |
| author_facet | Zac E. Seidler Michael J. Wilson John L. Oliffe Krista Fisher Rory O’Connor Jane Pirkis Simon M. Rice |
| author_sort | Zac E. Seidler |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Men account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in many Western nations including Australia. Whilst extensive research has examined risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in men, protective factors remain underexplored, particularly social support, resilience and coping behaviours. Such factors are important to examine particularly in the context of COVID-19, where enforced isolation (among other negative lifestyle effects) has created widespread risk for the development of suicidal ideation. This mixed-methods study aimed to examine associations of various protective factors with suicidal ideation in men, using data from an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we aimed to qualitatively investigate men’s self-reported protective strategies when experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Methods A convenience sample of 700 men (age M = 50.3 years; SD = 15.2 years) responded to an online survey including quantitative measures of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt, alongside employment and relationship status, coping, social support, resilience, and a qualitative free-text item gauging men’s self-reported protective strategies. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to compare odds of sub-categories of suicide risk (ideation; planning) according to protective factors. Qualitative responses were analysed via thematic analysis. Results Men in a relationship, and those lower in emotion-focused and avoidant coping reported lower odds of suicidal ideation. Maintaining employment throughout the pandemic was protective against suicidal ideation and planning; as was greater perceived social support from friends. Greater self-reported resilience was protective against suicidal ideation and planning. Qualitative analyses led to the development of two themes: coping and connecting, reflecting men’s intra- and interpersonal management strategies; and sustaining selflessness, where men’s imaginings of the collateral damage of their suicidal behaviour was protective against action on suicidal thoughts or plans. Conclusions Findings of this study speak to the nuanced roles of interpersonal connections, resilience and coping behaviours in protecting against suicidal ideation and planning in men. In addition, qualitative insights further cement men’s identification with familial protector and/or provider roles as protective against suicidal action. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-10T21:01:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c762c5c099ef4a66b50f291fe85bb172 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-244X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-10T21:01:23Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj.art-c762c5c099ef4a66b50f291fe85bb1722023-01-22T12:21:11ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2023-01-0123111610.1186/s12888-023-04539-9Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factorsZac E. Seidler0Michael J. Wilson1John L. Oliffe2Krista Fisher3Rory O’Connor4Jane Pirkis5Simon M. Rice6OrygenOrygenSchool of Nursing, University of British ColumbiaOrygenSuicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of GlasgowCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of MelbourneOrygenAbstract Background Men account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in many Western nations including Australia. Whilst extensive research has examined risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in men, protective factors remain underexplored, particularly social support, resilience and coping behaviours. Such factors are important to examine particularly in the context of COVID-19, where enforced isolation (among other negative lifestyle effects) has created widespread risk for the development of suicidal ideation. This mixed-methods study aimed to examine associations of various protective factors with suicidal ideation in men, using data from an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we aimed to qualitatively investigate men’s self-reported protective strategies when experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Methods A convenience sample of 700 men (age M = 50.3 years; SD = 15.2 years) responded to an online survey including quantitative measures of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt, alongside employment and relationship status, coping, social support, resilience, and a qualitative free-text item gauging men’s self-reported protective strategies. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to compare odds of sub-categories of suicide risk (ideation; planning) according to protective factors. Qualitative responses were analysed via thematic analysis. Results Men in a relationship, and those lower in emotion-focused and avoidant coping reported lower odds of suicidal ideation. Maintaining employment throughout the pandemic was protective against suicidal ideation and planning; as was greater perceived social support from friends. Greater self-reported resilience was protective against suicidal ideation and planning. Qualitative analyses led to the development of two themes: coping and connecting, reflecting men’s intra- and interpersonal management strategies; and sustaining selflessness, where men’s imaginings of the collateral damage of their suicidal behaviour was protective against action on suicidal thoughts or plans. Conclusions Findings of this study speak to the nuanced roles of interpersonal connections, resilience and coping behaviours in protecting against suicidal ideation and planning in men. In addition, qualitative insights further cement men’s identification with familial protector and/or provider roles as protective against suicidal action.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04539-9SuicideSuicidal thoughtsMenMasculinityCOVID-19Resilience |
| spellingShingle | Zac E. Seidler Michael J. Wilson John L. Oliffe Krista Fisher Rory O’Connor Jane Pirkis Simon M. Rice Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors BMC Psychiatry Suicide Suicidal thoughts Men Masculinity COVID-19 Resilience |
| title | Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors |
| title_full | Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors |
| title_fullStr | Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors |
| title_full_unstemmed | Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors |
| title_short | Suicidal ideation in men during COVID-19: an examination of protective factors |
| title_sort | suicidal ideation in men during covid 19 an examination of protective factors |
| topic | Suicide Suicidal thoughts Men Masculinity COVID-19 Resilience |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04539-9 |
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