Studies on strengths use for suicide prevention in young people

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K13857
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 10030:Clinical psychology-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Fusejima Ayumi 金沢工業大学, 情報フロンティア学部, 准教授 (30782099)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 強みの活用 / 自殺予防 / 若年者 / 縦断的調査 / 介入研究

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study focuses on the question; "Can strengths use help suicide prevention in young people?” First, the longitudinal questionnaire study at four-month intervals examined the effect of strengths use on suicidal ideation. It was found that strengths (especially strengths for the benefit of others, such as kindness and gratitude) use was associated with lower suicidal ideation. Next, the intervention study examined whether strengths use for the benefit of others reduces suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was reduced in the intervention group who used and recorded their strengths for others, but also in the control group who recorded their lifestyle habits. It is not enough clarified whether strengths use is effective in suicide prevention, and further studies are needed on its effectiveness.

Free Research Field

健康心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

強みは誰もが持つポジティブな心理的特性であるが，強みの活用を自殺予防に利用する取り組みは少なく，自殺予防にもたらす効果は十分に実証されていなかった。本研究では，強みを生かすこと，特に他者のために生かすことが自殺予防に対して効果を持つ可能性を，部分的に実証することができた。これらの知見は，自殺念慮のある若者に向けたセルフケア方法として，そして自殺予防に関わる支援者に向けた支援方略として，新たな選択肢を提案できたと考える。