Improving Health-Related Quality of Life and Reducing Suicide in Primary Care: Can Social Problem–Solving Abilities Help?

• Published in: International journal of mental health and addiction 2019-04, Vol.17 (2), p.295-309
• Main Authors: Walker, Kristin L., Kaniuka, Andrea, Sirois, Fuschia M., Chang, Edward C., Hirsch, Jameson K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Community and Environmental Psychology; Health Psychology; Low income groups; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental depression; Mental health; Middle age; Original Article; Primary care; Problem solving; Psychiatry; Psychology; Public Health; Quality of life; Rehabilitation; Risk factors; Rural areas; Suicidal behavior; Suicides & suicide attempts
• ISSN: 1557-1874; 1557-1882
• DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-0019-1

Problem-solving deficits and poor health–related quality of life are associated with suicide risk; yet, little is known about the interrelations between these variables. In 220 primary care patients, we examined the potential mediating role of physical and mental health–related quality of life on the relation between social problem–solving ability and suicidal behavior. Participants completed the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised, and Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Utilizing bootstrapped mediation, our hypotheses were partially supported; mediating effects were found for mental health–related quality of life on the relation between social problem-solving and suicidal behavior. Physical health–related quality of life was not a significant mediator. Greater social problem–solving ability is associated with better mental health–related quality of life and, in turn, to less suicidal behavior. Interventions promoting social problem–solving ability may increase quality of life and reduce suicide risk in primary care patients.