Thesis
Suicide in the Elderly
Washington State University
Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
05/2006
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/3767
Abstract
Suicide among the elderly is a growing issue and the greatest incidence of suicide occurs in elderly white males. Though research has identified risk and protective factors, assessment tools and prevention programs have been developed, few are specifically focused on the elderly. The concept of hopelessness has been investigated in relation to depression and linked to suicidal ideation; in one study the elderly identified spirituality as an unmet need. The attitudes and knowledge of the young and old, professional and non-professional differ, and have changed over time. Suicide prevention is an issue that cannot be delegated solely to mental health professions because primary care providers have been found to be a frequent point of contact for the elderly, offering an opportunity to impact their depression, hopelessness and potential suicidal ideation. Basic help for patients may be in the primary care providers approach to patient management and interaction, including a focus on hope renewal, and referral to appropriate community resources. A review of research studies reveals some common agreements on issues as well as areas in need of further research. Incorporating community involvement and referring outside the normal realm of social and medical support may help reduce suicidal deaths. Through a holistic and community approach a reduction in suicide among the elderly may be realized. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of current research information and provide an example of potential community referrals.
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Details
- Title
- Suicide in the Elderly
- Creators
- Glenda J. Abercrombie
- Contributors
- Renee Hoeksel (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Research Projects, College of Nursing
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Spokane, Washington
- Identifiers
- 99900590733701842
- Copyright
- http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us; Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis