A Study on the Effects of the Elderly's Social Support and Self-Esteem on the Suicidal Ideation

노인의 사회적 지지와 자아존중감이 자살생각에 미치는 영향

Objectives: This study was aimed to inspect what relation there exists between the elderly's social support, self-esteem and the suicidal thinking, and examined factors influencing their suicidal ideation. Methods: For 207 old persons above 65 residing at Seoul, questionnaire survey was performed for 4 weeks. For response data, t-test and ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression Analysis were performed using spss 18.0 program. Results: The results of analysis are like followings. 1. As for the social support according to the general characteristics, there was statistically significant difference in sex distinction, religion, living arrangement, educational level, monthly allowance and mode to use spare time. As for self-esteem according to the general characteristics, there was statistically significant difference in sex distinction, religion, living arrangement and monthly allowance. And as for the suicidal ideation, there was statistically significant difference in the marital status. 2. As for the relation between the social support, self-esteem and the suicidal ideation, it showed statistically very significant positive correlation in the social support and self-esteem. And there existed relatively higher positive correlation in family support among sub-factors of the social support and the positive self-recognition among sub-factors of self-esteem. 3. It showed that positive and negative self-recognition as sub-factors of self-esteem, others' support as sub-factor of the social support influence on the suicidal ideation. In other words, as positive self-recognition was lower, as negative self-recognition was higher, as social support of others was lower, they had much more effect on the suicidal ideation of the elderly. And it showed about 36.1% of the explanatory capability. Conclusions: Health care providers should develop school health education for the elderly.