Abstract
Each year, an average of one million people end their lives by suicide. This rate is higher for disadvantaged groups such as the criminal population and substance users. Psychiatric problems and certain social factors increase suicide risk. Although the criminal involved and substance users have been studied in Turkey, research on suicide risk factors are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of personality traits, and psychosocial variables such as family functioning, and perceived social support on suicide risk in individuals directed to Turkish probation services. Participants were 403 males, of which 183 were substance users and 220 were criminals. Results, revealed a significant relationship between being single, low income, criminal behavior at an early age, substance use behavior, multiple drug use, and suicide risk. Additionally, personality traits of neuroticism and psychoticism, as well as family members’ interest in each other were found to be best predictive variables of suicide risk R2= 0.551, F (12, 389) = 39.79, p<.001; Adjusted R2= .537, and the explained variance ratio was 55%. These results indicate that inclusion of social support factors such as family support, in suicide prevention programs may decrease suicide risk.
Highlights
Suicidal behavior, which is an important public health problem, is defined as an individual’s tendency to intentionally and willingly end their own life
Personality traits of neuroticism and psychoticism, as well as family members’ interest in each other were found to be best predictive variables of suicide risk R2 = 0.551, F [12, 389] = 39.79, p
Socio-demographic characteristics of the sample The mean age of participants was 30 years, of which 45.4% were directed to probation services due to substance use and 54.6% were criminals released from prison
Summary
Suicidal behavior, which is an important public health problem, is defined as an individual’s tendency to intentionally and willingly end their own life. An average of one million individuals end their lives by suicide each year [1]. Studies demonstrate that a complex phenomenon such as suicidal behavior cannot be explained by a single factor, but rather a combination of multiple variables are involved [2]. The most relevant risk factors for suicidal behavior include age and marital status [3], trauma, physical and sexual abuse, suicidal ideation and past suicide attempts, crime, substance use and abuse, hopelessness, and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorders [4-8]. Psychiatric patterns have a significant effect on suicidal behavior, studies reveal that innate personality traits are related to suicide. Evidence points to personality traits that a risk factor for suicidal behavior such as being negative, introverted, addictive, neurotic, antisocial or impulsive [9]
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