Suicide risk and protective factors : a network approach : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (by thesis) in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2019
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Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
Suicide is a complex phenomenon, with numerous factors contributing to an individual’s risk
of suicide. To visualise and quantify complex interactions between variables, a novel
approach called network analysis can be used. The aim of the present study was to explore
how risk and protective factors for suicide interact with one another, and to determine which
factors were most central to a network of these factors. Using an online survey, cross-
sectional data was collected from a sample of 515 individuals who lived in New Zealand,
Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, who were recruited
through either social media or Prolific Academic. A network of 18 risk and protective factors
for suicide was estimated using network analysis. In the network, suicidal ideation was
strongly related to the suicide risk factors of feeling depressed, anxious, and hopeless, as well
as substance use and perceived burdensomeness. In contrast, self-esteem, resilience, access to
mental health services and a positive attitude towards these services were each protective
against suicidal ideation. Factors which had the highest strength centrality were feeling
depressed, feeling hopeless, perceived burdensomeness, self-esteem, and social support. The
results of this research emphasise the importance of examining protective factors as well as
risk factors when determining an individual’s suicide risk.
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Keywords
Suicide, Risk factors, Prevention, System analysis, network analysis, protective factors, risk factors, suicide