Exploring the evidence on work-related suicide: a scoping review of a decade of research (2014–2024)

Abstract

Aims:

Work-related suicide, which is defined as cases in which specific occupational conditions or stressors play a substantial role in triggering the act or influencing the mental state that leads to it, is a global problem that requires attention. In this review, we aimed to point out the main risk factors associated with work-related suicides that have been described in the past 10 years in the literature in order to solicit worldwide preventive interventions.

Methods:

A scoping review guided by the research question ‘What are the work-related risk factors associated with suicide over the past decade?’ has been conducted through five databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science). The protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Results:

Out of the 1429 articles identified only 47 met the inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted in 12 different countries, but only nine studies were conducted in Europe. Manual labourers have been identified as the main high-risk occupation, followed by workers in the healthcare and welfare sectors. Other than the profession, among the work-specific risk factors emerged working conditions, occupational environments and employment instability. Our review also highlighted the presence of non-occupational risk factors as gender male, interpersonal issues and financial problems.

Conclusions:

With the identification of high-risk populations and modifiable work-related factors this review aims to support the development of evidence-based policies and interventions ultimately contributing to the promotion of worker wellbeing and suicide prevention.