Determinants of an individual's suicide intention in South Korea

Author

Nam Keun Choi, University of KentuckyFollow

Year of Publication

2016

College

Martin School of Public Policy and Administration

Date Available

10-30-2017

Committee Chair

Dr. Edward Jennings

Executive Summary

This study has examined a variety of variables that influence an individual’ s suicide intention, and analyzed the impact of these variables. The data are from the 2014 wave of the Korea Welfare Panel Survey (KoWePS). I analyze data on 13,687 out of 17,134 survey participants.

The dependent variable of my study is suicide intention such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The independent variables are classified into three categories: socio-demographic, psychological and mental health. Socio-demographic variables are gender, age, education, marital status, and income. Psychological variables are self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and religion. Mental health variables are depression, alcohol use, and smoking.

I used a logistic regression model to test the effect of independent variables because the dependent variable is binary. Gender, income and marital status in the socio-demographic factors, satisfaction with life in psychological factors, and depression, alcohol use and smoking in mental health factors are significantly related with suicide intention.

The result of this study shows that we need to consider all three categories of factors: socio-demographic factors, psychological factors, and mental health factors. In order to mitigate individuals’ suicide intention, this study indicates that it is necessary to treat mental health factors such as depression, alcohol use, and smoking. It is also important to promote satisfaction with life, to assist the low-income, and to consider gender related factors. This paper will be used to help establish the governmental policies for suicide prevention and intervention.

Recommended Citation

Choi, Nam Keun, "Determinants of an individual's suicide intention in South Korea" (2016). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 244.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/244