The popular perception is that suicide occurs most frequently among young adults and adolescents. However, research has actually shown that the rate of suicide among elderly Caucasian men in the United States is six times that of any other age group. Why is it so high? The most concerning reason is that older adult men (especially Caucasian men), are more likely to die on their first or second attempt as a result of utilizing more lethal means. The research being conducted by the Suicide and Depression Research Program will investigate factors that we think may contribute to depression and a strong wish for death in older adults. Presently, we are beginning a study to examine the role of relationships in the onset and maintenance of thoughts of suicide. In particular, is it the case that older adults who feel more isolated or feel that they are a burden on others have greater depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide than those who feel connections with others and feel that they contribute greatly? In the coming years we will be conducting a number of studies that will help us to answer that question. In addition, we are studying differences in the experience of emotions in older individuals at risk for suicide.

The Suicide and Depression Research Program is dedicated to improving our understanding of these conditions so that we can contribute to prevention and treatment strategies for these concerns. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and to stop pain and suffering for both the individuals who desire suicide (typically temporarily), as well as their loved ones.  

Current Projects:

Interpersonal Vulnerability in Older Caucasian Males: An Examination of the Role of Perceived Burdensomeness.
Funded by a Young Investigator Grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Although older Caucasian males have among the highest risk of death by suicide of any age, gender or ethnic group in the U.S., relatively little is known about the specific interpersonal factors that convey risk in this population. This study will seek to illuminate interpersonal vulnerability in older white men by examining the interrelationships among the perception of oneself as a burden to others, functional impairment, depressive symptoms, hopelessness, social isolation and suicidal ideation. The investigators will collect data on these factors from 150 older men and women over the age of 65 using self-report questionnaires and interviews. They expect that gender will significantly moderate the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation, leading to the development of gender-specific suicide prevention interventions for the elderly.

Capability for Self-Injury
This research project is aimed at testing the acquired capability to enact lethal self-injury based on an elaboration of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005; Smith & Cukrowicz, under review). This study will test the psychophysiological reactivity of suicidal individuals using the affectively modulated startle paradigm. It is hoped that the results from this study will give us a better understanding of suicide and may aid in providing more effective risk assessment for suicidal patients. This project is a collaborative project with Dr. Lee Cohen's research laboratory.