Psychological Risk Factors in the Transition from Suicidal Ideation to Suicidal Behavior in Young Adults.

Suicidal behaviour, defined as acting with the intention of killing oneself and thinking about doing so, is a serious public health problem. Being able to list the risk factors in the process from suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviour is important in preventing suicide. The study was conducted to examine the psychological variables that discriminate between individuals who attempt suicide and those who only have suicidal ideation. The sample of the study consisted of 108 individuals who attempted suicide and 197 individuals with suicidal ideation, aged 18-25 years. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Anger/Impulsivity (A/I) and Hopelessness/Loneliness (H/L) subscales of the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), Psychological Pain Scale (PPS), State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), Acquired Suicide Efficacy/Death Fearlessness Scale (ASE/DFS) and General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Short Form (GABS-SF). Results showed that anger/impulsivity (Wald = 4.827; < 0.05), perceived burden on others (Wald = 8.613; < 0.05), acquired suicide efficacy/death fearlessness (Wald = 13.377; < 0.001), being female (Wald = 3.925; < 0.05), presence of diagnosed psychiatric illness in the family (Wald = 5.705; < 0.05), and receiving psychological support (Wald = 4.381. < 0.05) variables are significant predictors of the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal action. The identification of psychological factors between suicide attempters and suicide ideation groups may guide clinicians in the follow-up and treatment of individuals at risk of attempting suicide. In addition, the results may contribute to the development of new intervention, education and treatment programmes for suicide.