Depression, Anxiety and Social Support as Predictors of Suicide Intent among Self-Harm Inpatients

Abstract

Objective: to examine depression, anxiety and social support as predictors of suicide intent among self-harm inpatients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Foundation University, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2019 to Oct 2020.

Methodology: A clinical sample of 220 self-harm patients aged 18 to 35 years was collected from different mental health departments of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Multan hospitals. Beck Suicide Intent Scale, Depression and Anxiety subscales of DASS-42 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered to assess suicide intent, depression, anxiety and social support.

Results: Results of current research revealed that depression and anxiety had a significant positive correlation with suicide intent (r = 0.71 & 0.29, respectively). Moreover, depression and anxiety were significantly positively predicted by suicide intent. Social support had a significant negative correlation with suicide intent and significantly negatively predicted suicide intent.

Conclusion: The study revealed that depression and anxiety were significant positive predictors of suicide intent among selfharm inpatients, whereas social support was a significant negative predictor of suicide intent and, thus, contributed to the continued growth of exploring an etiological model of self-harm.