The Effects of Support and ADL on Suicidal Ideation among Elderly in Korea: The Mediating Effect of Self-esteem and Hope

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify any structural relationships among Activities of Daily Living (ADL), support and suicidal ideation and to analyze the mediating roles of hope and self-esteem. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The study targeted 330 elderly persons aged 65 or older in S urban and rural complex city. For analysis of data, the study used frequency, correlation, reliability, mean comparison and multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings: The correlation analysis showed the following results. First, support and hope, support and self-esteem, ADL and hope and ADL and self-esteem had significant positive correlations but ADL and suicidal ideation, hope and suicidal ideation and self-esteem and suicidal ideation had significant negative correlations. Second, the structural equation model analysis showed that support for the elderly had a significant influence on hope and self-esteem and that ADL had a significant influence on hope, self-esteem and suicidal ideation. Third, in the relationship between support for the elderly and suicidal ideation, hope and self-esteem had indirect effects and were found to be mediating variables. This means that support for the elderly does not have a direct effect on suicidal ideation but is indirectly influenced by hope and self-esteem. In addition, it was found that ADL directly influenced suicidal ideation and was mediated by hope and self-esteem. This result shows that suicidal ideation in the elderly is influenced by hope and self-esteem as well as ADL. Consequently, ADL, hope and self-esteem should all be subjects of focus for preventing suicide among the elderly. Additionally, the roles of hope and self-esteem, which mediate the relationships between support and suicidal ideation and between ADL and suicidal ideation, should also be considered. Application/Improvement: This study will be applicable to prevent the elderly from suicide.