title: Toward an understanding of late life suicidal behavior: the role of lifespan developmental theory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Suicidal behavior in late life differs in important ways from suicidal behavior that occurs earlier in the lifespan, suggesting the possibility of developmental differences in the etiology of suicidal behavior. This paper examines late life suicidal behavior within the context of lifespan developmental theory.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper presents a conceptual framework for using lifespan developmental theory to better understand late life suicidal behavior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We argue that the motivational theory of lifespan development, which focuses on control, is particularly relevant to late life suicide. This theory posits that opportunities to exert control over important aspects of one's life diminish in late life as a result of declines in physical functioning and other factors, and that successful aging is associated with adaptive regulation of this developmental change. Although continued striving to meet goals is normative throughout the lifespan, most individuals also increase the use of compensatory strategies in old age or when faced with a decline in functioning. We propose that individuals who do not adapt to developmental changes by altering their strategies for exerting control will be at risk for suicidal behavior in late life. This paper reviews evidence that supports the importance of control with respect to suicidal outcomes in older adults, as well as findings regarding specific types of control strategies that may be related to suicide risk in older adults with health-related limitations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although suicidal behavior is not a normal part of aging, the application of lifespan developmental theory may be useful in understanding and potentially preventing suicide among older adults.
authors: a Departme nt of Psychology , West Virginia University , Morgantown , WV, USA.
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Fiske
authors: b Department of Psychiatry , University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester , NY, USA.
authors: Alisa A
authors: AA
authors: O'Riley
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001519:Behavior; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
keywords: depression; physical health status; suicide