Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Korean Youth: A Secondary Data Study Using Longitudinal Data from the Korean Youth Panel Survey

BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the most serious social problems in Korea. We examined suicidal ideation factors among Korean youth. METHODS: For risk factor identification, data from the 2008 and 2018 Korean Youth Panel Survey were analyzed (n =6,568) using univariate multiple logistic regression analysis. Negative life events, feelings of hopelessness, early-life adversity, alcohol consumption, smoking, counseling experience, perceived stress, and current health status were independent variables, whereas suicidal ideation was the dependent variable. RESULTS: Proximal (negative life events and feelings of hopelessness), distal (early-life adversities significantly influenced suicidal ideation), and health-related (alcohol consumption, counseling experience, perceived stress, and current health status) factors significantly influenced suicidal ideation among Korean youth. CONCLUSION: Mental health professionals must include distal risk factors, along with the common proximal and health-related risk factors, to provide targeted interventions.