Temporal effects of separation on suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Divorce has been identified as a risk factor for suicide. However, little research has been conducted on the time trajectory of the influence of relationship separation on suicidal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effects over time of relationship breakdown and separation on suicidality. Data were drawn from 6616 Australian adults participating in the PATH through Life Project, a population-based longitudinal study. Suicidal ideation was reported by 406 participants (6.1%), and 99 (1.5%) reported a suicide plan or attempt in the past year. The effects of separation on suicidality were strongest soon after separation, with a nearly three-fold increase in ideation (adjusted OR = 2.73, p < 0.001) and an eight-fold increase in plans/attempts (adjusted OR = 7.75, p < 0.001) in the two years following separation, gradually diminishing subsequently. The period up to four years before a separation was also found to be a time of increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours, while marriage was protective. Separation is a strong risk factor for suicidality and mental health services should target recently separated individuals.
Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Electronic address: philip.batterham@anu.edu.au.
Philip J
PJ
Batterham
School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
A Kate
AK
Fairweather-Schmidt
Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Peter
P
Butterworth
Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Alison L
AL
Calear
Orygen Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Andrew J
AJ
Mackinnon
Black Dog Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Helen
H
Christensen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
Attempts; Divorce; Ideation; Mental health; Relationship breakdown; Separation; Suicide