Introduction

1. Individual Differences as Predictors of Suicide-Related Ideation among Older Adults at Risk of Self-Harm Melissa Badgera,*, Sarah Wua,*, Eva Neufeldb, Norm O’Rourkec aDepartment of Gerontology, cFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Simon Fraser University, Burnaby (BC)bSchool of Public Health and Health Systems; University of Waterloo, Waterloo (ON) *Co-First Authors Introduction Results • Rates of suicide among those 65+ years of age are double that of the general population and across all age groups; men 85+ years of age are at greatest risk of self-harm.1 • The goal of this study was to identify the relative importance of individual differences as predictors of suicide-related ideation among older adults after controlling for socio-demographic factors. Sample • A total of 117 older adults at risk of self-harm were recruited from across Canada over a one-year period. • Average age = 68.5 years + 7.02 • (range 50 to 92) • Females (65.5%) • Caucasian (92.3%) • Married (53%) Widows/widowers (23.1% ) • Lived w/ spouse (51%) Lived alone (34.2%) Summary • The results of this study underscore the importance of individual-difference variables as predictors of suicide-related ideation. • These variables individually (with the exception of alcohol consumption) and collectively predicted suicide-related ideation over and above statistical control for the socio-demographic variables. • Pain and physical health conditions showed a significant relationship to suicide-related ideation. • Our findings suggest that it is imperative for future research to emphasize the central role of person-specific factors as predictors of self-harm. • This may enable clinicians and social scientists to more accurately identify those at greatest risk and develop more rapid interventions. • Future research should apply mixed methods to obtain both qualitative and quantitative participant data to identify additional risk factors, recruit larger sample sizes, and undertake cross-national comparisons. Methods To measure mental health and suicide risk, participants completed the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS)2and the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D).3 Socioeconomic status was measured on the basis of work performed now or before retirement.4An additional questionnaire was developed to gather physical health and demographic information. Hierarchical regression was performed with suicide-related ideation as our study’s dependent variable. References Neufeld, E. & O’Rourke, N. (2009). Impulsivity and hopelessness as predictors of suicide-related ideation among older adults. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(10): 684-692. Heisel, M. J. & Flett, G. L. (2006). The development and initial validation of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS). American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14:742-751. Radloff, L. (1977). The CES-D scale: a self report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychology Measurement, 1(3): 385-401. Barona, A., Reynolds, C.R., & Chastain, R. (1984). A demographically based index of premorbid intelligence for the WAIS–R. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 52(5): 885-887. Email: ORourke@sfu.ca