Facilitating and Hindering Factors in the process of developing Suicidal Thoughts in Iranian Older Adults: Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, University of Kurdistan, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Counseling Department. Sanandaj, Iran.

3 Iranian Geriatric Research Center, Geriatrics Department. University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

background: Increasing age through bio-psycho-social changes related to aging and especially the older adult's interpretation of these changes, can be perceived as a threat to the individual and may slip him/her into suicidal thoughts. Recognition of facilitating and hindering factors with influences on the process of developing suicidal thoughts based on a qualitative study can provide a clearer picture of the perceptions of older adults with suicidal thoughts and thus be helpful in designing more effective suicide prevention programs.
Method: The method used in the present study was grounded theory. A sample included a total of 13 community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults aged 60 years or above participated in this study and data was gathered by in depth interviews and were analyzed according to Strauss and Corbin's approach (2008). Constant comparative method, constant review of the written texts of interviews, field notes, memo writings, member check by the participants and experts were used to increase rigor of the study.
Findings: The participants experienced facilitator and hindering factors during the process of developing Suicidal Thoughts. Research findings included 3 main themes and 15 subthemes. The main themes are as follows: “Individual characteristics of neuroticism”, “Maladaptive cognitive styles”, and “Protective potentials”
Conclusion: Intervening factors in the process of developing Suicidal Thoughts can lead to relief or more difficulty based on older adult’s experiences. Modifying hindering factors by more emphasis on personal abilities, interaction and communication with others and spiritual capacities can be helpful in reducing suicidal thoughts and maybe even eliminate them.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics