Sociopsychological Factors Relating to Suicide Prevention in a Japanese Rural Community: Coping Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Sociopsychological factors relating to suicide & depression, & their differences in gender & generations were surveyed. 10% of residents, aged 40-79 years, in a rural area were randomly selected. Questionnaire data from 450 of 532 eligible participants was analyzed. Generally, younger subjects were more pessimistic about their mental health than older subjects. About 10% of respondents thought it was natural for them to have suicide ideation & about 18% reported they had experienced suicide ideation. Some suggestios are made to provide more effective suicide prevention measures. (26 refs.)