The mediating role of social support protect economic crisis-related patients from sucidal ideation: preliminary study

Abstract

Background. Subjects affected by “crisis-related†mental health disorders often report strong psychological suffering derived from hopelessness that sometimes could lead to suicidal ideation. However, this ideation could be curbed by social support. The aim of the study was to prove if social support could buffer the relationship between crisis-related hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Methods. Using an observational research design, patients (n=40) related to the “Crisis and Psychopathology Observatoryâ€â€“Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan–have been tested with: BDI II (Alpha=.91), BHS (Alpha=.92), and social support (Alpha=.86). Findings. Mediation analysis revealed that the observed relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation (path c: β=.637; p=001) was indeed entirely mediated [CI95%:.0340-.1254; R2=.736; F=30.27, p<.001] by social support (path c’: β=.188; p=.27). In fact, the effect of hopelessness on suicidal ideation passed through perceived support (path a: β=-.602, p=.003 and path b: β=-.746, p<.001). Discussion. Results point out the importance of social support as a protective factor from suicidal ideation in “crisis-related†patients and also suggest possible ways in treatments exploiting psychological support in this kind of economic crisis-related illness.