Life trajectories and burden of adversity: mapping the developmental profiles of suicide mortality.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about differential suicide profiles across the life trajectory. This study introduces the life-course method in suicide research with the aim of refining the longitudinal and cumulative assessment of psychosocial factors by quantifying accumulation of burden over time in order to delineate distinctive pathways of completed suicide.


METHODS
The psychological autopsy method was used to obtain third-party information on consecutive suicides. Life-history calendar analysis served to arrive at an adversity score per 5-year segment that was then cluster-analysed and correlated to define victim profiles.


RESULTS
Two distinct life trajectories emerged: (1) individuals who experienced childhood traumas, developmental adversity and little protection were more likely to present concurrent psychiatric and Axis II disorders; and (2) individuals who experienced less adversity but seemed more reactive to later major difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
The life calendar approach presented here in suicide research adds to the identification of life events, distal and recent, previously associated with suicide. It also quantifies the burden of adversity over the life course, defining two distinct profiles that could benefit from distinct targeted preventive intervention.
Séguin
Monique
M
Department of Psychologyu, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada. monique.seguin@uqo.ca
Lesage
Alain
A
Turecki
Gustavo
G
Bouchard
Mélanie
M
Chawky
Nadia
N
Tremblay
Nancy
N
Daigle
France
F
Guy
Andrée
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008606:Mental Processes; D008875:Middle Aged; D011599:Psychopathology; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data