Influence of attitudes toward death, vulnerability to abuse, and family functioning on suicide Riskin Mexican older adults

Abstract

Background: Aging is a complex and multidimensional process characterized by biological, psychological, and social changes that may increase vulnerability among older adults. Suicide in later life is recognized as a multifactorial public health issue influenced by several psychosocial factors, including attitudes toward death, vulnerability to abuse, and family functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the extent to which attitudes toward death, vulnerability to abuse, and family functioning predict suicide risk among older adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 comprising 260 older adults from Coahuila State. Participants were selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Revised Profile of Attitudes toward Death (PAM-R), the Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), and the Family APGAR. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 260 older adults with a mean age of [69.25±6.80 years] years participated in the study. The majority of the cohort were female, married, and had completed secondary education. The prevalence of suicide risk was 13.8%, and vulnerability to abuse was identified in 10% of participants. An ambivalent attitude toward death was observed, and 33.9% of the sample exhibited moderate to severe family dysfunction. The regression model explained 17.4% of the variance in suicide risk (Adjusted R² = 0.174, F = 13.457, p < 0.001), with family functioning (β = - 0.350, p < 0.001) identified as the strongest and only significant predictor. Conclusion: The risk of suicide in older adults is a multifactorial phenomenon in which family functioning plays a central protective role. These findings highlight the importance of preventive strategies in collective health, focused on strengthening families and early detection of psychosocial risk factors.