Análisis de Red de la Ideación Suicida Pasiva y Activa en Adolescentes

Abstract

Network analysis of passive and active suicidal ideation in adolescents. Suicidal ideation is a complex and ambivalent psychological problem that fluctuates between passive and active thoughts about the person's own death. Adolescence is an important developmental stage for physical and psychological well-being, however, the presence of psychological problems can affect their health and survival. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of passive and active suicidal ideation in Peruvian adolescents from the general population. The participants were 1444 adolescents between 11 to 19 years (56.6% female; mean age = 14.03; SD = 1.54) who responded to a suicidal ideation questionnaire. A Gaussian network model was estimated, examining its global and local properties and comparing according to sex. The results indicated that wishes of not existing, believing that one did not deserve to live, and thoughts of suicide were the most central nodes. Passive suicidal ideation (wishes of not existing and believing that one did not deserve to live) was related to active suicidal ideation (thoughts of committing suicide and hurting oneself). In addition, for women and men, the desire not to exist had the greatest centrality, although men were more likely to be associated with thoughts of suicide than women. In conclusion, the evaluation of passive and active suicidal ideation, as a whole and not emphasizing only one type, is a recommended practice for the assessment of suicide risk in the adolescent population. At this stage, it is appropriate to consider gender differences in the severity of suicidal ideation in psychological interviews and psychotherapeutic activities.