What do you think triggers suicidal thoughts and what do you think makes people act on those thoughts? Peruvian college students' beliefs about suicide precipitants

Abstract

Peruvian youths are the most suicide-vulnerable age group within the most suicide resilient South American country. The present study draws on cultural script theory to investigate Peruvian college students' beliefs about the precipitants of suicidal ideation and behavior. It examines potential differences in those explanations for women and men, and also based on respondents' personal history of, and exposure to suicidal ideation and behavior. Five hundred twenty-two Peruvian college students responded to two questions: "What do you think would lead someone to feel suicidal?" and "What do you believe would make a person act on those thoughts?" Responses were coded and analyzed using elements of grounded theory and the constant comparative method. Negative events, negative thoughts (i.e., worthlessness, helplessness, and meaninglessness), negative emotions, and a negative character were reported as the principal suicide precipitants. Women were more likely than men to attribute suicidal ideation to negative relationship events. No other respondent characteristics were related to the content of suicide beliefs. These results suggest that Peruvian college students' beliefs about suicide vary by gender in the same way as the beliefs by youths in the US, but to a lesser extent. Perceived causes of suicide were similar and distinct compared to UK and New Zealand. Implications are that prevention efforts should not take a one-size-fits-all approach.