The role of communication and social support in suicidal behaviour in adults aged between 18–40 years: A systematic review

• Noelia Lucía Martínez-Rives ^[1] ; María Pilar Martín Chaparro ^[1] ; Yasuhiro Kotera ^[2] ; Bibha Dhungel ^[4] ; Stuart Gilmour ^[3]
  1. [1] Universidad de Murcia

     Universidad de Murcia

     Murcia, España

     
  2. [2] University of Nottingham

     University of Nottingham

     Reino Unido

     
  3. [3] St. Luke's International University

     St. Luke's International University

     Japón

     
  4. [4] Department of Health Policy, National Centre for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan; School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia

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• Localización: European journal of psychiatry, ISSN 0213-6163, Vol. 39, Nº 1, 2025
• Idioma: inglés
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  • Background and objectives Social support and quality communication are crucial in suicide prevention. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize the research on the link between these variables and suicidal behavior in adults, and their differences depending on gender.

    Methods The Web of Science, Scopus and PsycInfo databases were searched from January 2012 to November 2022 using the terms [(suicide* OR “deliberate self-harm”* OR self- injur* OR “suicidal behavio”*) AND ("social support" OR "interpersonal relationship") AND (communication)]. Articles published in a peer-reviewed academic journal, written in English, with participants between 18 and 40 years old, assessing communication and/or social support were included.

    Results Finally, we included 12 articles. We identified characteristics such as not perceiving social networks as a helpful resource, or difficulties in understanding the messages. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the role that technology played in social support for the most vulnerable people. Communication difficulties of the individual with greater risk for suicide, showed the importance of social support and seeking help.

    Conclusions The community can contribute in suicide prevention by reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide through effective communication.