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Suicidal Ideation Across Adulthood: Applying Erikson’s Theory Of Psychosocial Development

Hernandez, Silvia Cristina
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8349-8542
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1654537352032589

Abstract Details

2022, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Psychology.
Objective: The present study aimed to explore the relationships between Erik Erikson’s adult stages of psychosocial development (intimacy/isolation, generativity/stagnation, ego integrity/despair) and suicidal ideation. It was hypothesized that more severe suicidal ideation would be significantly associated with poorer resolution of each of the three adult stages. It was also hypothesized that age would moderate the relationships between suicidal ideation and psychosocial development. Methods: Seventy-five Veterans (26-88 years old, Mage = 54.44 years) completed a diagnostic interview and met the inclusion criteria of a current depressive disorder. Self-report measures were administered to assess severity of suicidal thinking and degree of healthy psychosocial development. Results: More severe suicidal ideation was significantly associated with poorer psychosocial development across all three adult stages. Though age did not moderate this relationship for intimacy/isolation or generativity/stagnation, there was a small conditional effect of age on the relationship between integrity/despair and suicidal ideation. The strength of the integrity-ideation relationship was greatest for the youngest participants, tapering off after age 68. Conclusions: The significant associations between suicidal ideation and the adult psychosocial stages suggest that the developmental issues identified by Erikson are indeed important areas of mental health. Helping clients confront issues related to intimacy/isolation and generativity/stagnation may help reduce suicide risk across adulthood. Moreover, it may be useful to help clients resolve issues pertaining to dissatisfaction with life prior to entering older adulthood. Implications: The psychosocial issues identified by Erikson may help guide clinicians who work with suicidal clients. Results support current suicide prevention efforts to reduce loneliness and increase social supports. Findings also suggest that developing a sense of meaningful contribution to society and living a productive life may not only be important to middle-aged and older adults but appear to be equally important for younger individuals. Similarly, younger and middle-aged adults may benefit from creating a sense of cohesion and meaning in life that reframes, rather than avoids, past hardships.
James Overholser (Committee Chair)
Norah Feeny (Committee Member)
Josephine Ridley (Committee Member)
Eva Kahana (Committee Member)
Arin Connell (Committee Member)
114 p.
Clinical Psychology; Mental Health; Psychology
Suicidal ideation; depression; psychosocial development; Erikson; intimacy; generativity; integrity

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hernandez, S. C. (2022). Suicidal Ideation Across Adulthood: Applying Erikson’s Theory Of Psychosocial Development [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1654537352032589

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hernandez, Silvia. Suicidal Ideation Across Adulthood: Applying Erikson’s Theory Of Psychosocial Development. 2022. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1654537352032589.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hernandez, Silvia. "Suicidal Ideation Across Adulthood: Applying Erikson’s Theory Of Psychosocial Development." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1654537352032589

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1654537352032589
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© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12