Investigating Elder Suicide Risk (IN: New Research in Mental Health: 2002-2003 Biennium, Volume 16, edited by D Roth & W J Lutz)

This research identified & brought together a broad range of risk factors identified in the literature on elder suicide into a comprehensive predictive model. The interrelations of these factors were investigated. Data were collected on 350 participants recruited from assisted living facilities, community mental health centres, seniors’ centres, & senior social organizations throughout northeastern Ohio. Results of the study did not provide support for the identified theoretical model. With the exception of the latent factor of psychological resilience, the theoretical constructs expected to be predictive of suicidal behaviour in elderly individuals did not emerge from the data as anticipated. (26 refs.)