Suicide is the third-leading cause of death in the age group 15–29. In recent years, suicide completions as well as attempts have notably risen, with suicide being highlighted as a major mental health crisis. While risk factors associated with suicide are well-documented, our qualitative understanding of the deeper experiences of suicidality remains limited. One factor that has been found to relate to suicidality is family size, with research finding that having more older siblings is associated with higher suicide risk. To better understand the dynamics of suicidality in large families, eight participants from families of four or more children were interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. A variety of internal and environmental factors that contributed to suicidality in large families were found, including exposure to suicide, poverty, abuse, and a sense of worthlessness. The findings of this study support the need for additional research to validate the factors associated with an aversive environment and internal processes in suicidality. Although not all multi-sibling families experience suicidality, factors exist that can exacerbate risk among large families. Discussion regarding future implications is included.
Stahnke et al. (Fri,) studied this question.