Effect of Attitude Toward Suicide on Suicidal Behavior: Based on the Korea National Suicide Survey

Abstract

© 2022 Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.Objective Suicide is a complex phenomenon; therefore, it should be approached in light of sociocultural perspectives and the general attitude toward suicide. This study aimed to extract factors from the Attitude Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) and investigate the relationship between attitudes toward suicide and suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal idea, plan, and attempt) by using a representative sample of Korean adults. Methods Three thousand Koreans aged 19 to 75 years were surveyed cross-sectionally in 2013 and 2018. The data collected were sub-jected to exploratory factor analysis. Extracted attitude factors were compared using a suicidal behavior continuum. Univariate and mul-tivariate logistic models were constructed to compare the association between attitude factors and suicidal behaviors. Results Among the participants, 477 (15.9%) experienced suicidal idea only, 85 (2.8%) had a suicidal plan without attempt, and 58 (1.9%) attempted suicide. Four meaningful factors were extracted from the factor analysis: permissiveness, unjustified behavior, pre-ventability/readiness to help, and loneliness. Permissiveness, unjustified behavior, and loneliness factors showed significant trends across the suicidal behavior continuum. Permissive attitude toward suicide increased the odds of suicidal idea, suicidal plan, and suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.25–1.79; aOR=2.79, 95% CI=1.84–4.25; aOR=2.67, 95% CI=1.65–4.33), while attitude toward suicide as unjustified behavior decreased the odds of suicidal ideation and attempt (aOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.67–0.94; aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42–0.99). Conclusion A significant association was found between attitude toward suicide and suicidal behaviors. Attitude toward suicide is a modifiable factor that can be used to develop prevention policies.