Insomnia symptoms and suicidality in the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement

ObjectiveIn this paper, we examined the relationship between insomnia symptoms and suicidality in a national sample of US adolescents, while controlling for several psychiatric disorders that are known to be associated with suicidality. Additionally, we examined whether insomnia symptoms interact to affect any suicidality variables.MethodsStudy participants were 10,123 adolescents between the ages of 13–18 from the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A).ResultsIn bivariate analyses, all insomnia symptoms (i.e., difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and early morning awakening) were associated with suicide ideation, plan and attempts. In multivariate analyses, controlling for substance use, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as important covariates, difficulties falling and staying asleep had a significant relationship with 12-month and lifetime suicide variables while early morning awakening did not.ConclusionsTwo of the three insomnia symptoms had a significant association with suicide thoughts and plan even after controlling for psychiatric disorders that were known to affect suicidality. Having trouble falling sleeping or staying asleep had both direct and indirect relationships (via substance use, mood and anxiety disorders) on suicidal behavior. Assessment and treatment of sleep disturbances may reduce the risk for suicidality in adolescents.     

Psychological pathway to suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men in Shanghai,China: A structural equation model

We aimed to explore the relationships and develop an inter-theoretical model among psychological variables in the progression to suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men (MSM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 547 MSM in four districts in Shanghai from March to May in 2014. Socio-demographic, psychological, and behavioral information of the participants was collected. A structural equation model (SEM)-Path Analysis was constructed to interpret the intricate relationships among various psychological variables. Suicidal ideation among MSM during the past year was 10.6%. The developed model agreed well with existing suicide models and had a good fit to the data (χ²/df = 2.497, comparative fit index = 0.983, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.052). Suicidal ideation was predicted by perceived defeat and entrapment (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), which was in turn predicted by temperament (β = 0.60, p < 0.001) and perceived social support (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Perceived social support fully mediated the relationships among mood states, perceived social status, and perceived defeat and entrapment. MSM with certain types of temperament might be predisposed to a higher perception of defeat and entrapment. Perceived social support can effectively alleviate the negative appraisals and emotions and lower the risk for suicidal ideation among MSM.     

Association Between Parental Marital Status and Types of Suicidal Behavior Among Korean Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectivesAdolescent suicide is a global problem. This study aimed to identify associations between parental marital status and suicidal behavior.MethodsThis study analyzed 118 715 middle and high school students from the 13th and 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. The odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts were calculated based on parental marital status, living situation, and socioeconomic factors. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsWhen compared to those living with 2 married biological parents, the ORs of suicidal ideation among adolescents living with either remarried or no parents were 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 1.53) and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.66), respectively. For suicidal planning, the OR of those living with 1 remarried biological parent was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.52), and that of those living without parents was 1.28 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.73), when compared to adolescents living with 2 married biological parents. For suicide attempts, when compared to adolescents with 2 married biological parents, the OR of those living with 1 remarried biological parent was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.87) and that of those living without parents was 2.02 (95% CI, 1.44 to 2.83). For adolescents living with 1 remarried biological parent, suicidal behavior was strongly associated with having no siblings and were weakly associated with not living with grandparents.ConclusionsSuicidal behavior among adolescents was associated with the remarriage and loss of parents. Therefore, special attention and interventions are needed for adolescents in those situations.     

长三角地区“双一流”高校大学生遭受虐待经历与自杀意念的关系

目的 了解长三角地区双一流高校大学生儿童期遭受虐待经历与自杀意念之间的关系，为双一流高校大学生身心健康发展提供帮助。方法 在长三角地区的三省一市选取8所双一流高校的2412名大学生进行虐待经历和自杀意念的问卷调查，并对结果进行〖XC小五号.EPS;P〗检验、logistic回归分析。结果 双一流高校大学生儿童时期遭受1种及以上虐待经历的人数占43.99%。其中躯体虐待、情感虐待、性虐待、躯体忽视、情感忽视的比例分别为12.11%、6.67%、17.21%、36.40%和21.43%。大学生自杀意念报告率为3.94%。情感忽视（OR=2.08）、躯体忽视（OR=2.19）与大学生自杀意念存在正相关（P值均＜0.01）。结论 大学生在儿童期遭受躯体和情感忽视与自杀意念相关，预防儿童期虐待经历有助于预防大学阶段产生自杀意念。     

Quantitative Methods in Suicide Research: Issues Associated With Official Statistics

A practical and basic discussion of the nature and use of official statistics reveals strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of such data in understanding and describing deaths by suicide. Specific sources of official data are noted as well. Finally, the complementary nature of quantitative (as represented in official statistics) and qualitative research methodologies is briefly discussed.