The effects of ego-resilience, social support, and depression on suicidal ideation among the elderly in South Korea

ABSTRACT

South Korea’s elderly suicide rate is not merely the highest among the member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, it is the highest in the world. This study analyzed the effect of ego-resilience and social support on depression and suicidal ideation of the elderly, providing baseline data to aid in the development of preventive programs on elder suicide. We found that ego-resilience is a strong inhibitor of suicidal ideation. Direct and indirect effects of social support on suicidal ideation were especially helpful for elders with mild depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Activities of daily living
• depression
• ego-resilience
• elderly
• social support
• suicide ideation

Funding

This study was supported by the Sunmoon University research grant of 2014.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Sunmoon University research grant of 2014.