Hopelessness was strongly related to suicidal ideation in institutionalized elderly males, but this effect was dependent on the presence of moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Cross-Sectional (n=60)
In institutionalized elderly males, hopelessness predicts suicidal ideation primarily in those with moderate or higher levels of depression, highlighting the need to assess both simultaneously.
This study examined the role that hopelessness plays in geriatric suicidal ideation. Sixty institutionalized elderly males were recruited. Multiple regression analyses revealed that while hopelessness was strongly related to suicidal ideation, the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation was dependent on level of depression. Participants who reported moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms were more likely to have suicidal ideation with increasing hopelessness, whereas hopelessness had little effect on level of ideation at mild or lower depressive symptom levels. Unlike previous studies in younger adults, hopelessness did not predict suicidal ideation better than depressive symptoms, although the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation was stronger within higher levels of hopelessness. These findings highlight the importance of considering depression and hopelessness simultaneously when assessing and treating geriatric suicidal ideation.
Uncapher et al. (Sun,) conducted a cross-sectional in Suicidal ideation (n=60). Hopelessness was evaluated on Suicidal ideation. Hopelessness was strongly related to suicidal ideation in institutionalized elderly males, but this effect was dependent on the presence of moderate or higher levels of depressive symptoms.
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