title: Suicidal and online: how do online behaviors inform us of this high-risk population?
abstract: To assist suicide prevention we need a better understanding of how suicidal individuals act in their environment, and the online world offers an ideal opportunity to examine daily behaviors. This anonymous survey (N = 1,016) provides first-of-its-kind empirical evidence demonstrating suicide-risk people (n = 290) are unique in their online behaviors. Suicidal users reported more time online, greater likelihood of developing online personal relationships, and greater use of online forums. In addition, suicide-risk women reported more time browsing/surfing and social networking. The authors conclude that suicide prevention efforts should respond to suicide-risk users' greater demands for online interpersonal communications.
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , Australia.
authors.forename: Keith M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Jeanie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sheffield
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D057566:Self Report; D060756:Social Networking; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult