Work

Demographic variation in preferred sources for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services among U.S. adults

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Recent federal policy initiatives (e.g., 988 Lifeline, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics) aim to increase access to mental health crisis services. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of U.S. adults reporting being "very likely" to reach out to different sources if they/a loved one were experiencing suicidality or a mental health crisis. Methods: A nationally representative Ipsos KnowledgePanel survey of 5,058 U.S. adults (response rate = 55.0 %) in English and Spanish was conducted in June 2023. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the reported likelihood of reaching out to five different sources of support in a crisis, controlling for past 30-day psychological distress and demographic characteristics. Results: One-in-four respondents (27.8 %; 95 % CI = 26.5 %, 29.0 %) were very likely to reach out to a crisis line and 33.6 % (95 % CI = 32.3 %, 34.9 %) were very likely to reach out to a mental health professional. A friend/family member was the most frequently identified source of support (44.7 %; 95 % CI = 43.4 %, 46.1 %). After adjustment, people of younger ages, male gender, and identifying as Republican had significantly lower odds of reporting being very likely to reach out to a crisis line and mental health professional. Black and Hispanic respondents had significantly higher odds of reporting being very likely to reach out to a crisis line and someone in their religious network than non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions: Most U.S. adults report not being very likely to reach out to a crisis line or mental health professional if experiencing suicidality/crisis, although variation across demographic groups exists.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102914

Authors: Jonathan Purtle, Amanda I. Mauri, Anna-Michelle Marie McSorley, Abigail Lin Adera, Matthew L. Goldman, Michael A. Lindsey

Institutions: New York University, University of Connecticut, University of Miami, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,720