Suicidal Tendency and Impulsivity and Integrative Self-knowledge Among the Adult Population

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization, almost half of violent deaths globally are due to suicide. Development in effective prevention of suicide requires a better understanding of the potential processes underlying suicidal ideation and behavior. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between impulsivity with integrative self-knowledge and suicidal ideation in the adult population of Zahedan, Iran. Methods: The present descriptive-correlational study was performed on 380 adults aged 20 years and older. The Beck scale for suicidal ideation, Barrat impulsiveness, and integrative self-knowledge scales were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results: The results showed that impulsivity had a direct and significant relationship with a suicidal tendency. According to the results of stepwise regression analysis, the impulsivity variable explained 0.03% of the suicidal ideation variance, and self-knowledge could explain 0.11% of the suicidal tendency variance. Conclusions: In general, the obtained findings are consistent with the theory that impulsivity as a risk factor and cohesive self-awareness as a protective factor are associated with suicidal ideation and can be used as a step forward in finding useful solutions to prevent suicide. It is suggested that the results be evaluated prospectively in larger samples with a higher risk of suicide.