The Study of Relationship Between Loneliness and Suicidal Ideation Among Elderly Living Alone: Focusing Moderating Effects of Perceived Social Support and Structural Social Support

독거노인들의 외로움과 자살생각에 관한 연구: 인지적 사회적 지지와 구조적 사회적 지지의 완충효과

This study s purpose was to examine the impact of loneliness, and two types of social support(functional and structural) on the suicidal ideation among elderly living alone. About 254 research participants were recruited from Seoul City and other cities in Gyeonggi-do and finished the questionnaires of loneliness, perceived social support, structural social support, and the suicidal ideation. Data were entered into multiple regression analyses. The finding of this research study indicates that loneliness was an important predictor for suicidal ideation. Thus, increased loneliness was associated with a high level of the suicidal ideation. This research study result showed a moderating effect of functional social support. However, structural social support did not moderate relationship between loneliness and suicidal ideation. This research study would provide implications for social work practices.