Previously submitted to: JMIR Mental Health (no longer under consideration since Dec 31, 2024)
Date Submitted: Dec 30, 2024
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Burdens and Hopes in Twilight Years: A Qualitative Exploration of Attempted Suicide among the Older Adults from West China
ABSTRACT
Background:
Suicide among older adults is a significant global public health issue. While risk factors for suicide in this demographic are typically identified using quantitative research methods, our understanding of the subjective experiences and internal emotions underlying suicidal behaviors in older adults remains substantially limited.
Objective:
This study aims to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and contextual factors contributing to attempted suicide among older adults in West China.
Methods:
Between June and December 2022, we recruited older adults from West China communities using purposive and snowball sampling. Informational saturation determined the final sample size of 15 participants. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews lasting 33–45 minutes were conducted, focusing on their suicide attempt experiences. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method to extract and organize themes.
Results:
We identified a framework of three themes and eight sub-themes describing the experiences of older adults who attempted suicide. • Living under Shadows: Includes "Poverty's Grip," "Emotional Over Physical Pain," and "Family's Coldness." • Societal Challenges: Encompasses "Unfriendly Surroundings," "Unbearable Illness," and "Solitary Existence." • Life’s Continuation: Features "Right to End Life" and "Resuming Normality."
Conclusions:
This study illuminates the psychological states and life perspectives of older adults after suicide attempts. Insights can guide community managers and healthcare professionals in designing targeted interventions and management strategies for this vulnerable population. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable.
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