Factors related to suicide’s unpredictability: a qualitative study of adults with lived experience of suicide attempts

Figures & data

Table I. Participant characteristics (N = 15).

	n	%
Gender
Female	14	93.0
Male	1	7.0
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual	9	60.0
Homosexual	1	7.0
Bisexual	2	13.0
Other	3	20.0
Ethnicity
Caucasian	13	87.0
More than one race	2	13.0
Highest education
High school or equivalent	2	13.0
Some college	6	40.0
Bachelors’ or Associates degree	3	20.0
Beyond bachelors’ degree	4	27.0
Annual household income
Less than $25,000	3	20.0
$25,000–$50,000	6	40.0
$50,001–$75,000	2	13.0
More than $75,000	4	27.0
Number of lifetime suicide attempts
1	2	13.0
2	1	7.0
More than 2	8	53.0
Not reported^a	4	27.0
Lifetime NSSI (yes)	8	53.0
Not reported	4	27.0
Means used for first attempts
Overdose/self-poisoning	14	93.0
Transportation	1	7.0
Participant psychological disorders
Anxiety	6	40.0
Depression	6	40.0
Bipolar	3	20.0
Posttraumatic stress	4	27.0
Borderline personality	4	27.0
Other	3	20.0
Not reported	4	27.0
Family psychological disorders
Bipolar	6	40.0
Depression	6	40.0
Anxiety	4	27.0
Substance use	3	20.0
Posttraumatic stress	2	13.0
Other	2	13.0

NSSI = non-suicidal self-injury.

^aAll participants were required to have made at least one suicide attempt; however, the number of lifetime suicide attempts for these participants is missing.

Table II. Phone interview questions.

Domains	Specific questions asked
Clarity of memory	“Please rate from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very clear) how clear your memory is regarding your experiences prior to your first suicide attempt."
Impulsivity	“Did you plan your first suicide attempt (yes or no)?”
Contributing factors	“What were the immediate things that you believe contributed to this attempt?”
Level of medical intervention	“What level of medical intervention was required after this attempt?”
Exhibition of warning signs	“Do you feel you exhibited any warning signs before this attempt? Why or why not?”
Predictability of attempt	“Do you think your attempt was predictable?”
Intentions regarding predictability	“Did you want it to be predictable? Why or why not?”
Family history	“Please tell me any medical or psychological family history that you think may be relevant.”
Additional information	“Are there any other pieces of information related to the things we have talked about that you think I have missed?”
Debrief	“How was this experience for you?”