Reasons for Living, Hopelessness, and Suicide Ideation Among Depressed Adults 50 Years or Older

The authors tested the hypothesis that reasons for living are inversely related to suicide ideation. This report is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a sample of 125 adults 50 years & older receiving treatment for a mood disorder. Patients who reported higher levels of fear of suicide were less likely to report suicide ideation. The relationships between hopelessness & both the presence & severity of suicide ideation were stronger among those who reported greater levels of responsibility to family. Clinicians working with at-risk older adults should explore their patients’ reasons for living. (39 refs.) JA