Late adulthood suicide: A life-span analysis of suicide notes

Author(s): Leenaars, A. A., Berman, A. L., Jobes, D. A., Dixon, J. F., Bibb, J. L.

Journal/Book: Arch Suicide Res. 1997; 3: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 91-108.

Abstract: Older adults are the developmental age group across the lifespan at highest risk for suicide in many Western countries. Given the extent of the problem, the paucity of integrated and sound empirical research in this area is remarkable. Often the literature attributes the death to one or two variables (e.g., illness). However, a lifespan developmental approach calls for conceptualizing suicide in late adulthood from a multivariate perspective. This paper outlines two studies that were designed to investigate the suicide notes of the elderly in an adult lifespan perspective. The main conclusion is in support of a multivariate approach. There are more similarities than differences in suicide behaviour across the adult lifespan, although some differences were noted. The differences in the elderly appear to be issues of the inability to cope with the vicissitudes of aging (e.g., illness, isolation). It is concluded that future research is warranted.

Note: Article Bauer MN, Eastern State Hosp, Intermediate Intens Treatment Program, Bldg 25, 4601 Ironbound Rd, POB 8791, Williamsburg,VA 23187 USA

Keyword(s): suicide; suicide notes; adult lifespan; late adulthood; AGE; TRENDS

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