Effect of Interpersonal Needs and Attitudes Toward Suicide on Suicide Risk in Middle-Aged Korean Women

Abstract

Background:

The suicide mortality rate for women in South Korea was the highest among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries in 2021. Middle-aged women face heightened vulnerability due to sociocultural stressors and interpersonal factors influencing suicidal behavior.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the effect of interpersonal needs and attitudes toward suicide on suicidal risk among middle-aged Korean women.

Methods:

This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. Participants were recruited from communities between September 1 and October 5, 2024. Suicidal risk, interpersonal needs, depression, and attitudes toward suicide were measured using the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Attitudes Towards Suicide Scale, respectively. The data collected through online surveys were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results:

Among 301 female participants, the mean age was 52.5 (SD = 5.6) years old, and 65.8% (n = 198) of them resided in urban areas. Residence area (β = 0.27, P < .001), perceived mental health status (β = 0.13, P = .017), perceived burdensomeness (β = 0.14, P = .020), and attitudes toward suicide (β = 0.05, P < .001) explained 28.6% of variance (F = 14.27, P < .001) on suicide risk.

Conclusion:

Urban residence, perceived poor mental health, and maladaptive attitudes toward suicide are key determinants of suicidal risk among middle-aged Korean women. Findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive suicide risk assessment addressing psychological distress and sociocultural perceptions to enhance suicide prevention.