Suicidal intent disclosure among adult suicide decedents: Four age group comparisons

Abstract

Research on who does/does not disclose suicidal intent (SI) and related factors has important implications for suicide risk management. In this paper based on the 2017–2019 National Violent Death Reporting System, we compared four age groups (18–24, 25–44, 45–64, and 65+ years) of suicide decedents with respect to associations between SI disclosure and (1) suicide contributing/precipitating factors, and (2) suicide means. The results shows that those age 18–44 were more likely to disclose SI than those age> =45, especially among those with relationship problems. Physical health problems and death/suicide of family/friend increased the likelihood of SI disclosure in the 65+ age group.