Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Middle Aged Adults: Focused on Gender Differences

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated levels of economic stress, depression, existential well-being, and family function, and analyzed their influences on suicidal ideation in middle aged adults.Methods: This study included 217 adults aged of 40~65 years. Data were collected from July to August 2019. Data were analyzed separately according to the genders. Descriptive analysis, t-test, Cronbach’s ⍺, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted using SPSS 23.0 software.Results: The suicidal ideation of the subjects had positive correlations with economic stress and depression but negative correlations with existential well-being and family function. The most significant factor affecting suicidal ideation of middle aged men was depression (β=.68, <i>p</i><.001), with an overall explanatory power of 46.8%, while the suicidal ideation of middle aged women was substantially affected by depression (β=.53, <i>p</i><.001), marriage status (β=-.17, <i>p</i>=.028), and presence of chronic diseases (β=.16, <i>p</i>=.030), with an overall explanatory power of 41.6%.Conclusion: The origins of suicidal ideation in middle aged men and women were different. Therefore, suicide prevention plans, nursing interventions, and policies for middle aged adults must consider gender differences.