Projects / Programmes
Elderly at risk for suicide: approaches to reduce feelings of loneliness and strengthen mental health
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.09.00 |
Social sciences |
Psychology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.01 |
Social Sciences |
Psychology and cognitive sciences |
elderly, loneliness, mental health, suicidal behaviour, interventions
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
36480 |
PhD Nuša Zadravec Šedivy |
Psychology |
Head |
2020 - 2023 |
100 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
In Slovenia, over the last two decades, the suicide rate has been decreasing, However, this decrease is not noticeable for the elderly, those over 65 years-old. While the ratio of suicide attempts to suicide among the general population ranges between 10:1 and 30:1, this ratio is significantly lower among the elderly and ranges between 2:1 and 4:1 (De Leo & Arnautovska, 2016) , which might be associated with an increased risk for suicide and with the often overlooked distress of the elderly by the society. Mental disorders are an important predictor of suicide among the elderly. Additionally, social isolation and loneliness are among the most important psychological risk factors for suicide among the elderly. Loneliness is a major public health problem as it predicts the low quality of life of the older population and leaves adverse mental and physical health consequences. In addition, loneliness is recognised as indirect as well as a direct predictor of mortality in the elderly. It is, therefore, a complex phenomenon that highlights the need to design effective approaches and interventions to reduce loneliness in the elderly. The main purpose of the research is to explore different approaches for reducing social isolation and loneliness and to identify the most effective ways with which preventive action could be taken to reduce mental health problems, mental illness, and suicidal behaviour through the reduction of loneliness. The aims of the research are (i) to explore existing approaches, activities and interventions designed to reduce or prevent social isolation and loneliness; (ii) to explore the link between the use of different approaches to reduce loneliness and mental health problems and suicidal behaviour; (iii) to explore in depth the subjective view of participants on the various existing approaches, activities and interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness; (iv) to develop guidelines for the preparation of effective, high-quality and culturally relevant interventions; (v) to design, test and evaluate interventions to reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance mental health. The research project will include the elderly over 65 years old who will participate in a quantitative and qualitative study on loneliness, mental health, suicidal behaviour and interventions addressing these areas. Based on the findings and information gathered in the quantitative and qualitative part of the research, further steps will be followed to design an effective intervention to reduce feelings of loneliness. The last part of the project will focus on conducting a pilot implementation of the intervention and a pilot evaluation of the effects of the intervention We will measure the direct effects on reducing loneliness and improving mental health through the application of questionnaires, and indirect effects through measuring participants' satisfaction with the intervention. The proposed project will advance the existing knowledge regarding suicide prevention in vulnerable group of elderly. The results will provide further indepth knowledge, which will be directly transferred into practice by implementing interventions for the vulnerable group. Our approach will be based on the newly gained knowledge regarding how to tailor the interventions to the needs of the selected vulnerable group or its subgroups. Suicidal behaviour has many consequences for the society, e.g. high costs of healthcare interventions, absence from work, bereavement due to suicide etc. Scientifically supported efforts towards suicide prevention are of crucial importance since they can help diminish negative consequences of suicide on society. The findings could to development of effective preventive activities which will improve the quality of interventions offered to selected vulnerable group, with the long term goal of contributing to lowering the suicidal behaviour in frequency among this group.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
