Suicide embodies a considerable but often preventable loss of life. As the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada between the ages of 15 and 24, nearly one-quarter of all annual deaths for this age group are accounted for by those who have died by suicide. Greater still is the prevalence of suicidal behaviour. Annually, suicide and suicidal behaviours across the age span are estimated to cost the Canadian economy $2.2 billion. Given the high personal costs to victims, survivors, and taxpayers, it seems crucial that prevention strategies be implemented to reduce the high rate of suicide and suicidal behaviours, as well as to promote mental health, particularly in youth. The promotion of positive mental health and well-being is especially relevant for youth living in rural areas. Fewer mental health resources are available in rural communities than in urban centres. Moreover, youth living in rural, low population density areas often do not believe that their anonymity and right to privacy would be protected if they were to seek mental health services. The present research was carried out to provide a potential foundation for stimulating mental health promotion and suicide prevention approaches, differing by rural and urban community and by gender, before such concerns emerge. Through a survey of 813 (459 rural youth; 354 urban youth) secondary school youth in Eastern Ontario, we examined the inverse association between suicidal ideation and engagement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, drama, or community groups. Who is at greatest risk: It was found that rural youth reported significantly more suicidal thoughts than did urban youth (p < .01). Perceived social support accounted for rural and urban differences, while difficulties coping with daily stressors accounted for gender differences, in self-reported suicidal ideation. Thus, “red flags” for communities at risk could include perceived deficits in social support within a given community, as well as having a number of young females who indicate poor coping with daily stressors. What factors to target: Depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support differed in importance in the prediction of suicidal ideation based on rural-urban setting and gender. Results reflecting differences underscore the importance of examining such factors in mental health research. A “one size fits all” approach to youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention does not appear to be a prudent strategy. How to intervene: Youth engagement was explored as one possible means of intervention. In rural youth, personally meaningful engagement and engagement in a number of activities was directly inversely related to suicidal ideation. Regression analyses involving interaction analyses were carried out with youth engagement as a moderator for mental health indicators such as depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support in the prediction of suicidal ideation. Through simple slope analyses, it was found that youth engagement significantly reduces the relationships between suicidal ideation and mental health indicators, particularly for males (p < .001). Therefore, youth engagement appears to be more universally beneficial for rural youth, given that rural dwelling appears to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation. Moreover, for male youth at risk for suicidal ideation, given depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, low self-esteem, and low perceived social support, youth engagement may be of particular benefit. With knowledge of who is at greatest risk for suicidal ideation, what factors to target, and a possible intervention road map, we can reach youth and foster resiliency before suicidal thoughts emerge.

Suicide embodies a considerable but often preventable loss of life. As the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada between the ages of 15 and 24, nearly one-quarter of all annual deaths for this age group are accounted for by those who have died by suicide. Greater still is the prevalence of suicidal behaviour. Annually, suicide and suicidal behaviours across the age span are estimated to cost the Canadian economy $2.2 billion. Given the high personal costs to victims, survivors, and taxpayers, it seems crucial that prevention strategies be implemented to reduce the high rate of suicide and suicidal behaviours, as well as to promote mental health, particularly in youth. The promotion of positive mental health and well-being is especially relevant for youth living in rural areas. Fewer mental health resources are available in rural communities than in urban centres. Moreover, youth living in rural, low population density areas often do not believe that their anonymity and right to privacy would be protected if they were to seek mental health services. The present research was carried out to provide a potential foundation for stimulating mental health promotion and suicide prevention approaches, differing by rural and urban community and by gender, before such concerns emerge. Through a survey of 813 (459 rural youth; 354 urban youth) secondary school youth in Eastern Ontario, we examined the inverse association between suicidal ideation and engagement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, drama, or community groups. Who is at greatest risk: It was found that rural youth reported significantly more suicidal thoughts than did urban youth (p < .01). Perceived social support accounted for rural and urban differences, while difficulties coping with daily stressors accounted for gender differences, in self-reported suicidal ideation. Thus, “red flags” for communities at risk could include perceived deficits in social support within a given community, as well as having a number of young females who indicate poor coping with daily stressors. What factors to target: Depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support differed in importance in the prediction of suicidal ideation based on rural-urban setting and gender. Results reflecting differences underscore the importance of examining such factors in mental health research. A “one size fits all” approach to youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention does not appear to be a prudent strategy. How to intervene: Youth engagement was explored as one possible means of intervention. In rural youth, personally meaningful engagement and engagement in a number of activities was directly inversely related to suicidal ideation. Regression analyses involving interaction analyses were carried out with youth engagement as a moderator for mental health indicators such as depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support in the prediction of suicidal ideation. Through simple slope analyses, it was found that youth engagement significantly reduces the relationships between suicidal ideation and mental health indicators, particularly for males (p < .001). Therefore, youth engagement appears to be more universally beneficial for rural youth, given that rural dwelling appears to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation. Moreover, for male youth at risk for suicidal ideation, given depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, low self-esteem, and low perceived social support, youth engagement may be of particular benefit. With knowledge of who is at greatest risk for suicidal ideation, what factors to target, and a possible intervention road map, we can reach youth and foster resiliency before suicidal thoughts emerge.

As the second leading cause of death among college students, suicide has become an increasingly prominent focus for campus mental health initiatives. Suicide prevention efforts frequently rely on the induction of students with suicidal ideation into counseling services, either through self-referral or referrals from friends, family members, and university staff. However, nearly half of students who seriously contemplate taking their lives do not tell anyone that they are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Concealment of suicidal ideation, particularly from one‟s informal support network, is not well understood, and no studies to date have examined this phenomenon among college students. Using archival data from a national survey of suicidal crises among college students collected in 2006 by The National Research Consortium of Counseling Centers in Higher Education, this study explored college students‟ self-reported reasons for concealing their suicidal ideation. Content analysis was used to categorize students‟ qualitative responses to an open-ended question asking why they chose not to tell anyone about their suicidal thoughts. Nine primary themes emerged from this inquiry: (1) perceived lack of need for help, (2) concern for the well being of others, (3) dispositional orientation towards privacy, (4) perceived pointlessness of seeking help, (5) anticipated negative reactions from others, (6) internal negative evaluation of suicidality, (7) fear of repercussions, (8) avoidance of interference from others, and (9) perception of having no one to tell. Multilevel modeling was then used to explore associations between demographic characteristics, reasons for concealment endorsed, and likelihood of attempting suicide within the 12-month period under study. Findings from this study contribute to an understanding of help avoidance among suicidal individuals and have implications for campus suicide prevention programming. / text

Suicide is a complex phenomenon, which can be prevented if intensive and continuous research is being done to determine tendencies and to compile profiles of high-risk cases. Suicide prevention is currently a high priority in the South African Police Service (SAPS). In the Northern Cape various potential stressors, such as a high crime level, lack of resources and vast distances to travel are some of the challenges members of the police service face. Increased rates of post-traumatic stress, alcohol abuse, depression and suicides are found in research with police members. Research that was done in the SAPS shows that the number of suicide among police officers increased from 11 suicides per 10 000 during 1999 to 13 suicides per 10 000 during 2000. The numbers of suicides in the SAPS in the Northern Cape are of the highest of all the Provinces. Suicide ideation can be considered an early marker for more serious suicidal behaviour. However, there is a lack of empirical research systematically investigating suicide ideation and possible correlates thereof in the SAPS in the Northern Cape. This research investigated the relationship between suicide ideation, stress and coping within SAPS in the Northern Cape. The aim of this research was to determine the level of suicide ideation and possible correlates thereof. Further aims included predicting suicide ideation by meqs of stress and coping variables. The research method for this article consists out of a brief literature review and an empirical study. A cross sectional survey design was used. A random sample (n=274) as taken of members from police stations in the Northern Cape. The Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ), Police Stress Inventory (PSI), COPE Questionnaire and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 3.28 % of the sample showed serious levels of suicide ideation. It was shown that previous suicide attempts, medical status, passive coping, problem-focussed coping, police stressors and job demands could be used to predict suicide ideation. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

It is important to have a productive and healthy police service in South Africa and to research suicide ideation and burnout. The objectives of this research were to determine the relationship between suicide ideation, work stress and coping; to determine if work stress and coping can be used to predict suicide ideation; to determine the casual factors of suicide ideation; to determine if t he Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey (MBI-GS) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure burnout; to determine the relationship between work stress and burnout and to determine if coping strategies can moderate or mediate the relationship between work stress an burnout. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A random sample (n = 340) was taken from police stations in the Western Cape. The Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ), MBI-GS, Police Stress Inventory (PSI), COPE questionnaire and a biographical questionnaire were administered. The results showed that job stress can indeed cause suicide ideation, but that an individual's coping response is a critical component in the determining of the impact of a stressor. Suicide ideation correlates statistically significant with job demands and a lack of resources, and job stress and coping can be used to predict suicide ideation in the SAPS. Avoidance, alcohol misuse, the presence of a medical condition, a previous suicide attempt, and rank are variants which could predict suicide ideation in the SAPS. The MBI-GS is a reliable and valid measuring instrument. Job stress leads to higher levels of exhaustion, which in turn leads to higher levels o f cynicism and lower levels of professional efficacy. Coping strategies c an moderate or mediate the relationship between job stress and burnout. Recommendations for the prevention and management of suicide ideation and burnout have been made, as well as recommendations with regard to future research on suicide ideation and burnout in the SAPS in the Western Cape. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Suicide is a complex phenomenon, which can be prevented if intensive and continuous research is being done to determine tendencies and to compile profiles of high-risk cases. Suicide prevention is currently a high priority in the South African Police Service (SAPS). In the Northern Cape various potential stressors, such as a high crime level, lack of resources and vast distances to travel are some of the challenges members of the police service face. Increased rates of post-traumatic stress, alcohol abuse, depression and suicides are found in research with police members. Research that was done in the SAPS shows that the number of suicide among police officers increased from 11 suicides per 10 000 during 1999 to 13 suicides per 10 000 during 2000. The numbers of suicides in the SAPS in the Northern Cape are of the highest of all the Provinces. Suicide ideation can be considered an early marker for more serious suicidal behaviour. However, there is a lack of empirical research systematically investigating suicide ideation and possible correlates thereof in the SAPS in the Northern Cape. This research investigated the relationship between suicide ideation, stress and coping within SAPS in the Northern Cape. The aim of this research was to determine the level of suicide ideation and possible correlates thereof. Further aims included predicting suicide ideation by meqs of stress and coping variables. The research method for this article consists out of a brief literature review and an empirical study. A cross sectional survey design was used. A random sample (n=274) as taken of members from police stations in the Northern Cape. The Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ), Police Stress Inventory (PSI), COPE Questionnaire and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 3.28 % of the sample showed serious levels of suicide ideation. It was shown that previous suicide attempts, medical status, passive coping, problem-focussed coping, police stressors and job demands could be used to predict suicide ideation. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

It is important to have a productive and healthy police service in South Africa and to research suicide ideation and burnout. The objectives of this research were to determine the relationship between suicide ideation, work stress and coping; to determine if work stress and coping can be used to predict suicide ideation; to determine the casual factors of suicide ideation; to determine if t he Maslach Burnout Inventory - General Survey (MBI-GS) is a valid and reliable instrument to measure burnout; to determine the relationship between work stress and burnout and to determine if coping strategies can moderate or mediate the relationship between work stress an burnout. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A random sample (n = 340) was taken from police stations in the Western Cape. The Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (ASIQ), MBI-GS, Police Stress Inventory (PSI), COPE questionnaire and a biographical questionnaire were administered. The results showed that job stress can indeed cause suicide ideation, but that an individual's coping response is a critical component in the determining of the impact of a stressor. Suicide ideation correlates statistically significant with job demands and a lack of resources, and job stress and coping can be used to predict suicide ideation in the SAPS. Avoidance, alcohol misuse, the presence of a medical condition, a previous suicide attempt, and rank are variants which could predict suicide ideation in the SAPS. The MBI-GS is a reliable and valid measuring instrument. Job stress leads to higher levels of exhaustion, which in turn leads to higher levels o f cynicism and lower levels of professional efficacy. Coping strategies c an moderate or mediate the relationship between job stress and burnout. Recommendations for the prevention and management of suicide ideation and burnout have been made, as well as recommendations with regard to future research on suicide ideation and burnout in the SAPS in the Western Cape. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Suicide embodies a considerable but often preventable loss of life. As the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada between the ages of 15 and 24, nearly one-quarter of all annual deaths for this age group are accounted for by those who have died by suicide. Greater still is the prevalence of suicidal behaviour. Annually, suicide and suicidal behaviours across the age span are estimated to cost the Canadian economy $2.2 billion. Given the high personal costs to victims, survivors, and taxpayers, it seems crucial that prevention strategies be implemented to reduce the high rate of suicide and suicidal behaviours, as well as to promote mental health, particularly in youth. The promotion of positive mental health and well-being is especially relevant for youth living in rural areas. Fewer mental health resources are available in rural communities than in urban centres. Moreover, youth living in rural, low population density areas often do not believe that their anonymity and right to privacy would be protected if they were to seek mental health services. The present research was carried out to provide a potential foundation for stimulating mental health promotion and suicide prevention approaches, differing by rural and urban community and by gender, before such concerns emerge. Through a survey of 813 (459 rural youth; 354 urban youth) secondary school youth in Eastern Ontario, we examined the inverse association between suicidal ideation and engagement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, drama, or community groups. Who is at greatest risk: It was found that rural youth reported significantly more suicidal thoughts than did urban youth (p < .01). Perceived social support accounted for rural and urban differences, while difficulties coping with daily stressors accounted for gender differences, in self-reported suicidal ideation. Thus, “red flags” for communities at risk could include perceived deficits in social support within a given community, as well as having a number of young females who indicate poor coping with daily stressors. What factors to target: Depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support differed in importance in the prediction of suicidal ideation based on rural-urban setting and gender. Results reflecting differences underscore the importance of examining such factors in mental health research. A “one size fits all” approach to youth mental health promotion and suicide prevention does not appear to be a prudent strategy. How to intervene: Youth engagement was explored as one possible means of intervention. In rural youth, personally meaningful engagement and engagement in a number of activities was directly inversely related to suicidal ideation. Regression analyses involving interaction analyses were carried out with youth engagement as a moderator for mental health indicators such as depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, self-esteem, and social support in the prediction of suicidal ideation. Through simple slope analyses, it was found that youth engagement significantly reduces the relationships between suicidal ideation and mental health indicators, particularly for males (p < .001). Therefore, youth engagement appears to be more universally beneficial for rural youth, given that rural dwelling appears to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation. Moreover, for male youth at risk for suicidal ideation, given depressive symptoms, risk behaviours, low self-esteem, and low perceived social support, youth engagement may be of particular benefit. With knowledge of who is at greatest risk for suicidal ideation, what factors to target, and a possible intervention road map, we can reach youth and foster resiliency before suicidal thoughts emerge.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Antepartum suicidal behaviors are a leading cause of maternal injury and death. Previous research has not investigated associations between antepartum suicidal ideation and perinatal complications. Our study objective was to evaluate the relationship of antepartum suicidal ideation with low infant birthweight, small for gestational age, and preterm birth. A cohort study was conducted among 1,108 women receiving prenatal care in Peru. Suicidal ideation was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 during pregnancy. Birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. Linear regressions and multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate were used to investigate associations between suicidal ideation and pregnancy outcomes. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.7%, preterm delivery was 5.7%, low birthweight was 4.4%, and small for gestational age was 3.4%. In an adjusted model, infant birthweight was 94.2 grams lower for mothers with antepartum suicidal ideation (95% CI: −183.0, −5.5, p = 0.037) compared with those without suicidal ideation. After adjusting for confounders including depression, participants with suicidal ideation had a nearly four-fold increased odds of delivering a small for gestational age infant (OR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.59–8.74). These findings suggest suicidal ideation during pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, especially low infant birthweight. / Revisión por pares

The term “moral injury” has recently been introduced to describe psychopathology resulting from perpetrating or bearing witness to an event that transgresses deeply held moral beliefs, typically in relation to military service. Two studies examined relations between potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) during military service, self-conscious emotions, and negative mental health outcomes. The potential moderating contributions of social support and psychopathic personality traits on these relations were also assessed. A subset of 40 of the 501 veterans who completed a detailed on-line survey was also interviewed to gain a more thorough understanding of individual experiences. Veterans who had experienced higher numbers of PMIEs were significantly more likely to experience depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, as well as guilt and shame related to their military service, but high levels of social support decreased the likelihood of negative mental health outcomes and subsequent guilt and shame; psychopathic personality traits did not moderate these relations. Qualitative analysis of the interviews confirmed that social support plays a key role in the prevention of moral injury-related symptoms. Social support was crucial to reintegration after deployment for many veterans. Results indicate that adequate social support following PMIEs may reduce the likelihood of psychopathology. Implications of this study and future directions are discussed.