STRESS

Review Article

Suicide Risk Factors among Military Personnel: A Meta-Analytic Approach: Eunsu Park, Jonghan Sea; STRESS. 2025;33(4):177-183. Published online December 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.4.177

411 View
10 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Suicide among military personnel is a critical issue that threatens both individual well-being and organizational readiness. Despite a growing body of literature on military suicide in Korea findings remain inconsistent owing to differences in study design, participant characteristics, and measurement tools.
Methods
This meta-analysis examined risk factors for suicide among Korean military personnel. Twenty-nine theses and journal articles published between 2000 and 2025 that reported correlation coefficients (r) and met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Sixty-two variables reported in at least three studies were extracted and categorized into 11 factors depression, trauma experience, military stress, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, general stress, job stress, impulsivity, drinking problems, age, and rank.
Results
Depression, trauma experience, and military stress showed medium- to- large effect sizes, whereas impulsivity and drinking problems demonstrated small but significant effects. High heterogeneity was observed, likely because of differences in military ranks, research designs, and measurement instruments. Publication bias analysis using the trim-and-fill method revealed no missing studies.
Conclusions
This meta-analysis integrated existing findings on suicide risk factors among Korean soldiers and identified the relative importance of key predictors. The results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological and organizational determinants of military suicide and provide practical implications for prevention strategies and future research.

Original Articles

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Suicide Rumination Scale (K-SRS): Woongsur Hur, Megan L. Rogers, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2025;33(3):163-175. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.3.163

571 View
17 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Suicide Rumination Scale [K-SRS], which assesses fixations on suicidal thoughts, intentions, and plans.
Methods
Between July 2024 and March 2025, 124 adults (aged 18 years and older) with suicidal ideation completed an online self-report survey and a behavioral task.
Results
Factor analysis supported a two-factor structure—Intrusive Rumination about Suicide and Contemplation of Suicide Methods—demonstrating excellent internal consistency (α=.96 and .93, respectively). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations with brooding, reflective pondering, depressive rumination, and intrusive rumination (rs=.19 to .57). Discriminant validity was indicated by non-significant correlations with deliberate rumination (rs=−.01 to .01). The K-SRS demonstrated concurrent validity via associations with suicidal risk, suicidal ideation intensity, depression, and anxiety (rs=.34 to .65), and incremental validity by predicting suicide risk beyond established factors. Higher K-SRS scores among individuals with clinical levels of depression and anxiety confirmed known-group validity. The K-SRS showed acceptable discriminatory ability for past suicide attempts (AUC=.77), with a cut-off score of 13.5 (sensitivity=0.68, specificity=0.75).
Conclusions
The K-SRS is a reliable and valid measure of suicide-specific rumination and risk assessment.

A Preliminary Study on the Development of a Stigma Scale for Suicide Survivors: Jieun Kwon; STRESS. 2025;33(3):146-154. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.3.146

451 View
21 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This preliminary study explored the stigma surrounding suicide loss in survivors in South Korea and develops a scale for measuring this stigma.
Methods
An open-ended survey (N=57; 18 men, 39 women) and a structured questionnaire (N=250; 94 males, 156 females) were administered to adults who had experienced bereavement due to the suicide of a close family member or partner (e.g., parent, child, spouse, or significant other). Preliminary items were generated based on open-ended responses. The items were then subjected to content validation and revision by a panel of experts, resulting in 70 preliminary items. The questionnaire was administered based on these items.
Results
The exploratory factor analysis yielded a stigma scale comprising four factors and 15 items. The four factors were labeled as follows: Vulnerable Individual, Responsibility for Suicide, Relational Discomfort, and Relational Distancing. The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency.
Conclusions
This study is relevant because it developed a culturally relevant scale to assess the stigma experienced by survivors of suicide loss in Korean society.

Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adults Based on the Benefits and Barriers Model: Comparing Suicidal Self-Injury and Exploring Functional Differences across Frequency Levels: Hyejin Jeon, Hoon-Jin Lee; STRESS. 2025;33(2):63-73. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.2.63

1,218 View
41 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to examine differences in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) depending on the presence of suicidal self-injury, such as suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. It also explored patterns of change in self-harm motivation during the initiation and maintenance of NSSI, based on the Benefits and Barriers Model of NSSI.
Methods
A total of 300 adults completed the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Trait Meta-Mood Scale, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, Capability for Suicide Questionnaire, and the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire. Group differences were analyzed.
Results
Individuals in the NSSI with suicide attempt group showed significantly higher motivations related to affect regulation, self-punishment, communication, and interpersonal needs. In contrast, the NSSI-only group exhibited significantly lower levels of emotion dysregulation, interpersonal needs, and self-criticism. Additionally, compared to the middle- and high-frequency NSSI groups, the low-frequency group reported stronger motivations related to peer bonding, interpersonal influence, and the toughness function.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the Benefits and Barriers Model of NSSI is useful for understanding the relationship between nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury, as well as the motivational processes involved in the maintenance of NSSI.

Association between Suicidal Ideation and Blood Cadmium Levels Based on the 3rd to 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys: Sunmi Kim; STRESS. 2024;32(1):46-52. Published online March 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2024.32.1.46

2,921 View
37 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to determine the association between blood cadmium levels and suicidal ideation.
Methods
Using data from the 3rd to 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the geometric mean of blood cadmium levels according to suicidal ideation was compared using multiple linear regression analyses in male and female adults. The frequency of suicidal ideation according to the blood cadmium levels was also compared using multiple logistic regression models.
Results
In total, 6,877 men and 6,698 women were included in the study. When adjusting for all potential confounding factors, the geometric mean of blood cadmium levels was significantly higher in participants with suicidal ideation than in those without suicidal ideation in both men (0.92 ng/ml [95% confidence interval 0.87∼0.97 ng/ml] vs. 0.86 ng/ml [0.84∼0.88 ng/ml]; p=.026) and women (1.05 ng/ml [95% confidence interval 1.01∼1.10 ng/ml] vs. 0.99 ng/ml [0.98∼1.02 ng/ml]; p=.006). After adjusting for potential confounders, the frequency of suicidal ideation significantly increased as blood cadmium levels increased in men (p for trend=.014) and women (p for trend=.034).
Conclusions
Results revealed an association between blood cadmium levels and suicidal ideation in Korean adults.

The Effects of Risk-Taking Trait and Thwarted Interpersonal Need on Suicidality of Illicit Drugs Abusers: Focusing on Acquired Capability for Suicide: Ki-Yeon Nam, Young-Sil Kwon; STRESS. 2023;31(4):168-174. Published online December 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2023.31.4.168

2,530 View
49 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to examine the effects of trait and situational factors on suicidality among illicit drugs abusers.
Methods
Data were collected from 185 illicit drugs abusers in Korea who completed a survey to measure the risk-taking trait, impulsive behavior, acquired capability for suicide, thwarted interpersonal need, and suicidality. Multiple regression and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for data analysis.
Results
The risk-taking trait affected the acquired capability for suicide by partially mediating the impulsive behavior. Additionally, the interaction effect between thwarted interpersonal need and acquired capability for suicide on suicidality was identified.
Conclusions
The higher risk-taking trait of illicit drugs abusers induced higher acquired capability for suicide, which actuates the suicidal desire. Additionally, the repeated exposure of impulsive behavior mediated the path. Furthermore, acquired capability for suicide moderated the relationship between thwarted interpersonal need and suicidality. This study examined the effects of trait and situational factors on suicidality of illicit drugs abusers.

Test Linking of Suicide Risk Assessment Instruments: Comparing Cut-Off Scores for Suicide Risk: Hwajeong Yu, Yuhwa Han, Sungeun You; STRESS. 2023;31(1):25-36. Published online March 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2023.31.1.25

17,386 View
502 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Communicating the objective meaning of the cut-off criteria for high-risk among suicide risk assessment tools is challenging because they measure different aspects of suicide risk. This study aimed to provide comparable scores among widely used suicide assessment instruments by using test linking.
Methods
Linking was performed using the equipercentile method with the data of 400 adults. Then, for an independent sample of 165 adults, the validity of linking was tested by providing an overall percent agreement of group classification.
Results
Linking results indicated that the score of 4 on the C-SSRS corresponded to 8 on the DSI-SS and 16 on the SBQ-R, respectively. The overall percent agreement of group classification based on the cutoff score of 4 on the C-SSRS was high in both scales, supporting the validity of linking.
Conclusions
The study results provide comparable criteria for the high-risk group among the three measures. Mental health practitioners could utilize our results in identifying people at high suicide risk.

Qualitative Study on Experiences of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior among College Students: Donghee Jeong, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2022;30(4):204-212. Published online December 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2022.30.4.204

5,898 View
173 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Background
Suicide is a major cause of death among young adults, and elucidating their experiences of suicidal behavior is important in suicide prevention. This study aimed to explore the factors related to suicidal ideation and behavior in college students. Students’ responses and coping strategies for distress caused by these factors were also explored.
Methods
The study conducted semi-structured interview with 24 college students (mean age=21.3, 75% female) who were at elevated risk of suicide. The transcripts were analyzed based on the consensual qualitative research method.
Results
The participants reported experiencing repeated frustrations in pursuing academic and career paths, as well as social isolation, conflict, or social comparison. In response to these stressors, they experienced negative emotions, such as depression and feeling of being a burden. Negative thoughts about the self and future also emerged. A lack of understanding of why they experienced distress and how to manage the distress led the participants to engage in maladaptive responses, such as avoidance. These factors contributed to increasing their risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Meanwhile, the factors that deterred them from making a lethal suicide attempt were their lack of capability, their concern about their family and friends, and social support from the latter.
Conclusions
Repeated frustration and interpersonal distress were major factors related to increased suicidal ideation and behavior in college students. Suicide prevention in young adults may benefit from addressing negative impact of these factors.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development and validation of suicide crisis scale for international students in South Korea
Ki-Hyun Choi, Jung Hee Ha, Juliet Jue
Frontiers in Psychology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

The Role of Avoidance Coping and Problem-Focused Style of Coping in the Association between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Suicide Ideation in Depressive Disorder Patients: A Moderated Mediation Model: Bomi Kim, Eunhee Lee; STRESS. 2021;29(4):283-292. Published online December 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2021.29.4.283

4,290 View
112 Download
1 Citations

PDF

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploring the role of coping strategies in clinical outcomes of Greek patients with major depressive disorder
Anna Paschalidou, Georgios Mavroeides, Maria Basta, Alexandros N. Vgontzas, Katerina Koutra
Academia Mental Health and Well-Being.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

A Study on Attitude toward Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Behaviors in People with Mental Disorders in Community: Keun Young Park, Ji Young Kim; STRESS. 2021;29(1):60-67. Published online March 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2021.29.1.60

3,790 View
90 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to examine the correlations among attitudes toward suicide, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors in people with mental disorders.
Methods
A descriptive research design was used. The participants were 172 patients with mental disorders selected from 12 mental health care facilities located in J and C Provinces in Korea. The study employed Attitudes Toward Suicide, the Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, using the SPSS WIN 23.0 program for data analysis.
Results
Attitudes toward suicide obtained 2.56 points out of five on average, 7.21 points out of 38 on suicidal thoughts, and 1.91 points out of four on suicidal behaviors. A attitudes toward suicide of people with mental disorders were significantly correlated with suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior.
Conclusions
This study suggested that the development of education programs for reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors should be based on the appropriate attitudes toward suicide of people with mental disorders in the community.

Development and Evaluation of a Self-Empowerment Intervention Program for Inpatient at High Risk of Suicide: Hee-Yeon Kim, Kuem-Sun Han; STRESS. 2019;27(3):240-250. Published online September 30, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2019.27.3.240

6,448 View
240 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Background:

The purpose of this study, which uses an nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design, was to develop of a self-empowerment intervention program for for inpatient at high risk of suicide, and to assess its effects on positive emotions (subjective well–being, psychological well–being, gratitude, optimism, Self-esteem), empowerment and suicide ideation.

Methods:

Data were collected from January to December, 2016. The experimental group participated in 8 sessions of self-empowerment intervention program. The control group was granted general intervention program to the psychiatric ward. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS Win 20.0.

Results:

The results of this study showed the proposed self-empowerment intervention program for inpatient at high risk of suicide had the effect of improving positive emotions (subjective well–being, psychological well–being, gratitude, and optimism, self-esteem), empowerment and reducing the suicide ideation.

Conclusions:

The program, developed in accordance with King’s theory of goal attainment, will serve as a useful reference in developing standard guidelines for nursing intervention program suicide prevention in psychiatric department. The results are expected to contribute to the practice of intensive nursing care for inpatient at high risk of suicide.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effects of Nurse-Led Intervention Programs Based on Goal Attainment Theory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Bom-Mi Park
Healthcare.2021; 9(6): 699. CrossRef

A Systematic Review of the Suicide Prevention Program for the Elderly: Taekyun Gwon, Heeseung Choi; STRESS. 2019;27(1):53-63. Published online March 31, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2019.27.1.53

6,343 View
274 Download
4 Citations

Abstract PDF

Background:

This study is a systematic review of literature to analyze the characteristics and effects of suicide prevention programs for the elderly.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed literature published from 2007 to 2018 in 8 domestic and foreign databases (KISS, NDSL, Koreamed, RISS, Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, CENTRAL). The main search terms were ‘elderly’, ‘suicide’, ‘intervention program’, and included 8 articles matching the selection criteria in the final analysis. The program was divided into activities, counseling, and community support programs.

Results:

Most of the programs effectively reduced suicidal ideation and depression by reducing suicide risk factors and improving protective factors.

Conclusions:

As a result of the analysis, it was found that it is necessary to develop a specialized program for the prevention of suicide in the elderly considering social, environmental, personal and community characteristics.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Dual mediating effects of changes in daily life and anxiety on the relationship between occupation and depression in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic
Soo-bi Lee, Ye-bin Jeon, Myeong-Sook Yoon
BMC Public Health.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
The Double Mediating Effect of Family Support and Family Relationship Satisfaction on Self-Compassion and Meaning in Life among Korean Baby Boomers
Yu-soo Jeong, Young-soon Lee
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(16): 9806. CrossRef
An Exploratory Study on How and Why Young and Middle-aged Adults Disclose Depressive Feelings to Others: Focusing on the Influence of Perception of Social Norms
Soontae An, Hannah Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2021; 32(1): 12. CrossRef
Influence of socio-economic deprivation on the change patterns of depression in young adults: Focusing on seven areas of deprivation
Soo-Bi Lee, Yoonjoo Choi, Hyunok Lee
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2021; 38(5): 45. CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search