The Role of Depressive Symptoms in Suicide Attempt in Rural China.

Depression is a well-established predictor of suicidal behaviors, yet its effects among Chinese rural suicide attempters are understudied. In this study, we examined the role of depressive symptoms with other common risk factors, such as impulsivity, among medically serious suicide attempters. A case-controlled study was conducted in 13 rural counties in China. Medically serious suicide attempters (n = 791) and 791 nonsuicidal controls matched for sex and age range (±3 years) in the same location were recruited and interviewed to obtain information with regard to demographics, depressive symptom severity, and psychological strain measures. Both depressive symptoms, assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and psychological strains predicted suicide attempt risk, and psychological strains significantly predicted depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms fully mediated the relations between value strain, deprivation strain, and suicide attempt risk, and partially mediated the associations among aspiration strain, coping strain, and suicide attempt risk. The reduction of psychological strains may help decrease both depression and suicidal behaviors.