title: Constructing the Suicide Risk Index (SRI): does it work in predicting suicidal behavior in young adults mediated by proximal factors?
abstract: Suicide is a key concern among young adults. The aim of the study was to (1) construct a suicide risk index (SRI) based on demographic, situational, and behavioral factors known to be linked to suicidal behavior and (2) investigate whether the association between the SRI and suicidal behavior was mediated by proximal processes (personal factors, coping strategies, and emotional states). Participants consisted of 7,558 individuals aged 17-25 years (M = 20.35, SD = 1.91). Nearly 22% (n = 1,542) reported self-harm and 7% (n = 499) had attempted suicide. Mediation analysis revealed both a direct effect (ß = .299, 95% CI = [.281, .317], p < .001), and a mediated effect (ß = .204, 95% CI = [.186, .222], p < .001), between the risk index and suicidal behavior. The strongest mediators were levels of self-esteem, depression, and avoidant coping. Interventions to increase self-esteem, reduce depression, and encourage adaptive coping strategies may prevent suicidal behavior in young people.
authors: a School of Psychology, University College Dublin , Belfield , Dublin , Ireland.
authors: Maebh
authors: M
authors: O'Connor
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Dooley
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Fitzgerald
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D058445:Bullying; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004243:Divorce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: mediation; psychosocial factors; risk index; self-harm; suicide