Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examined deterrents to suicide in depressed older adults with and without a lifetime suicide attempt. METHODS: Older adults (N=264, M±SD age = 62.5±7.9 years) participating in a study on late-life suicide risk provided deterrents to suicide via free-response item. Two independent raters categorized participant responses based on Linehan's Reasons for Living scale. Logistic regression compared deterrent categories between attempters and nonattempters. RESULTS: Survival/coping beliefs (54%) and relationships (52%) were the most cited deterrents. Neither the number of categories endorsed, nor the type of deterrent categories were differentially associated with lifetime suicide attempt. Among attempters (n=106) individuals who attempted suicide more recently were less likely to endorse relationship deterrents compared to individuals who attempted suicide in the distal past. CONCLUSIONS: Beliefs in one's ability to deal with stressful situations may have long-standing positive effect on suicidal behavior, while social disconnectedness is associated with recent suicide attempts.