Toward an understanding of late life suicidal behavior: the role of lifespan developmental theory

Abstract

Objectives: Suicidal behavior in late life differs in important ways from suicidal behavior that occurs earlier in the lifespan, suggesting the possibility of developmental differences in the etiology of suicidal behavior. This paper examines late life suicidal behavior within the context of lifespan developmental theory.

Methods: This paper presents a conceptual framework for using lifespan developmental theory to better understand late life suicidal behavior.

Results: We argue that the motivational theory of lifespan development, which focuses on control, is particularly relevant to late life suicide. This theory posits that opportunities to exert control over important aspects of one's life diminish in late life as a result of declines in physical functioning and other factors, and that successful aging is associated with adaptive regulation of this developmental change. Although continued striving to meet goals is normative throughout the lifespan, most individuals also increase the use of compensatory strategies in old age or when faced with a decline in functioning. We propose that individuals who do not adapt to developmental changes by altering their strategies for exerting control will be at risk for suicidal behavior in late life. This paper reviews evidence that supports the importance of control with respect to suicidal outcomes in older adults, as well as findings regarding specific types of control strategies that may be related to suicide risk in older adults with health-related limitations.

Conclusion: Although suicidal behavior is not a normal part of aging, the application of lifespan developmental theory may be useful in understanding and potentially preventing suicide among older adults.

Keywords:

• suicide
• depression
• physical health status

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank members of the Mental Health and Aging lab for their helpful ideas and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The article was supported by a grant from the WVU Injury Control Research Center [R49 CE002109].