Keywords

suicide; suicidality; mental health; arthritis; residential facilities; quality of life

Abstract

Suicide is still a major public health concern, especially for older adults who are dealing with psychological distress and chronic pain. 52 adults 60 and older who lived in assisted and independent living facilities participated in this cross-sectional study, which looked at the associations between perceived physical pain, psychological pain (psychache), mental health functioning, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Physical pain intensity was found to be significantly positively correlated with both psychache (r =.499, p < .01) and depressive symptoms (r =.414, p < .01). Furthermore, the relationship between hopelessness and mental health symptoms was found to be mediated by psychological pain, indicating that as depressive symptoms worsen, psychological pain also increases and contributes to feelings of hopelessness. Emotional quality of life ratings were low throughout the sample, despite a moderate correlation between pain and suicidal ideation (r =.324, p < .05). Significantly higher levels of suicidal ideation were reported by participants with chronic conditions other than arthritis. These results highlight the detrimental effects of chronic pain on mental health and the significance of integrated care strategies that take into account both the psychological and physical aspects of pain. Improved access to mental health services in residential care settings and regular screening for depression and psychache in older adults with chronic conditions are examples of preventive measures. 52 older adults with chronic pain participated in this cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between their well-being and physical and chronic pain. To assess this relationship, the interrelationships among different risk factors were considered. The findings indicated a moderately positive correlation between physical pain and psychological pain (r(50) = 0.499) and between pain intensity and mental health (r(47) = 0.414).

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Summer

Thesis Chair

Gryglewicz, Kimberley

College

College of Sciences

Department

College of Health Professionals and Sciences

Thesis Discipline

College of Health Professionals and Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Campus Access

Length of Campus Access

1 year

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Available for download on Wednesday, August 05, 2026

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Rights Statement

In Copyright