Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Supervisor

Heisel, Marnin J.

2nd Supervisor

Stranges, Saverio

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Suicide poses a significant global public health concern, disproportionately affecting older adults. This thesis investigated the role of social connectedness in potentially protecting against suicide ideation among community-residing older adults in Ontario, Canada. A scoping review and psychometric evaluation were conducted to validate the suitability of the Social Connectedness Scale – Revised (SCS-R) with older adults. A conceptual model of older adult suicide risk (see Heisel & Flett, 2014) was also tested, utilizing bivariate correlation and multivariable regression analyses, to assess the association between social connectedness and suicide ideation, accounting for demographic covariates, risk (depression), and precipitating factors (daily hassles). Results indicated a significant negative association between social connectedness and suicide ideation, controlling for covariates, risk, and precipitating factors. The findings highlight the importance of social connectedness in potentially protecting against suicide ideation and thus contributing to suicide prevention initiatives in older adults. This study contributes to understanding the complex interplay of psychological factors influencing late-life suicide risk.

Summary for Lay Audience

This study explores the association between social connectedness and suicidal thoughts in older adults. Older adults (adults aged 65 and above) face a higher risk of suicide. Social connectedness has gained attention as a protective factor against suicide, so this study investigates whether social connectedness is associated with reduced suicidal ideation in older adults.

To do this, secondary analyses of a two-year longitudinal study with 173 older adult participants were conducted. The study used the Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R; Lee et al., 2001) to measure social connectedness. Before investigating the connection between social connectedness and suicidal thoughts, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to understand whether and how the SCS-R has been used with older adults and o investigate its performance in this demographic. The results of this review did not provide conclusive findings, so a psychometric investigation was then conducted evaluating the structure, reliability, and validity of the SCS-R. Finally, a model incorporating demographic covariates, risk (depression), and precipitating factors (daily hassles) was tested, and social connectedness emerged as a significant factor in reducing suicidal thoughts, even in the presence of these other factors. This suggests that social connectedness may play an important role in the psychological resiliency of older adults, therefore public health initiatives are encouraged to promote social connection-driven interventions to combat elevated suicide risk in this demographic.

The study had several objectives: evaluating the structure, reliability, and validity of the SCS-R, and assessing whether social connectedness is linked to lower suicidal thoughts in older adults. Overall, the study aimed to provide insights into how social connectedness can be utilized to prevent suicidal thoughts in older adults, with implications for suicide prevention strategies.

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