Suicidal behaviour and, in particular, death by suicide are the result of a complex interplay of several risk factors. It has long been known that interpersonal factors have an influence on the suicide rate: for example, the rate is higher among people who are single, widowed or living alone.
Nevertheless, living alone is a life-condition, while the feeling of loneliness is more related to the subjective perception of the quality and quantity of the social network. It is therefore questionable whether these are individual or interpersonal risk factors. There are ongoing debates about the definitions of loneliness and related concepts and thus also about their measurement in research data. Regardless, studies have shown that the role of loneliness and living alone in the development of suicidality depends on demographic, psychological, mental health, cultural and economic factors, among others. A study from England showed that age influences the level of risk and that the age group of 15 to 34-year-olds who are lonely or live alone have the highest (16-fold increased) risk. Another study found that men living alone had a higher risk of dying by suicide, regardless of loneliness. Studies from Slovenia indicated a change in social and emotional loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, but at the same time suicide rates did not change as dramatically as loneliness. The presentation will explore the results from different countries and perspectives.

This seminar is hosted in person at the Department of Psychiatry, OX3 7JX (Seminar Room) & online:

zoom.us/j/96085135630?pwd=E0WycEcOWfN1VyCa0iuSNbbk46aKVR.1
Meeting ID: 960 8513 5630
Passcode: 919009