Year: 2023 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. (2021), 51(4), 646-656. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12723 SIEC No: 20230024

Introduction
Material hardship is unique facet of economic distress and may be a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Parents are more likely to experience both material hardship and suicidal behavior than non-parents. The aims of this study were to (a) examine the association of material hardship with suicidal behavior and (b) assess whether associations differed for parents and non-parents.
Methods
We used data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 10,685). We conducted logistic regression to examine the association of one and two or more material hardships at Wave IV with suicidal behavior at Wave V.
Results
Overall, 38.8% of participants reported material hardship at Wave IV and 7.5% reported suicidal ideation or attempts at Wave V. In the total sample, one material hardship (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.20, 2.06) and two or more material hardships (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.04, 2.21) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among parents, two or more material hardships (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.17, 2.94) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among non-parents, one material hardship (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.26, 2.59) was associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior.
Conclusions
Programs and policies aimed at addressing material hardship, particularly accumulating material hardships among parents, may be an effective suicide prevention strategy.