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<p>Suicidal behavior among older adults not only influences their own lives but also profoundly affects the mental health and relationship dynamics with their adult children. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to explore how suicidal behavior affects the relationships between adult children and their older parents; and (2) to analyze how older adults’ suicidal behavior affects their adult children’s mental health.&#xa0;A qualitative study was conducted with 126 adult children of older parents who showed suicidal behavior. In-depth interviews were carried out, and content analysis was used to identify themes emerging from participants’ narratives.&#xa0;For the first objective, the findings showed five themes: Loss of trust (80.9%); Relationship instability (70.6%); Increased caregiving responsibilities (68.2%); Decline of the emotional connection (59.5%); and Parent-children role reversal (56.3%). For the second objective, five themes emerged from the content analysis: Emotional overload (79.4%); Heightened level of hypervigilance (76.2%); Depression (64.3%); Post-traumatic stress (57.1%); and Suicidal thoughts (37.3%).&#xa0;Suicidal behavior in older adults severely disrupts both the emotional stability and relational dynamics between them and their adult children. The study emphasizes the necessity of broadening our focus from solely addressing older adults’ needs to supporting their adult children. Comprehensive interventions must consider the unique challenges faced by adult children, providing targeted support to alleviate their emotional burden and strengthen their mental health. As we strive to understand and support those affected by suicidal behavior, it is crucial not to overlook the silent sacrifices made by those who bear the weight of an older family member’s crisis.</p>

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Living on the edge: how older adult suicidal behavior strains their adult children’ mental health

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月6日

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  • Sofia von Humboldt,
  • Gail Low,
  • Isabel Leal

摘要

Suicidal behavior among older adults not only influences their own lives but also profoundly affects the mental health and relationship dynamics with their adult children. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to explore how suicidal behavior affects the relationships between adult children and their older parents; and (2) to analyze how older adults’ suicidal behavior affects their adult children’s mental health. A qualitative study was conducted with 126 adult children of older parents who showed suicidal behavior. In-depth interviews were carried out, and content analysis was used to identify themes emerging from participants’ narratives. For the first objective, the findings showed five themes: Loss of trust (80.9%); Relationship instability (70.6%); Increased caregiving responsibilities (68.2%); Decline of the emotional connection (59.5%); and Parent-children role reversal (56.3%). For the second objective, five themes emerged from the content analysis: Emotional overload (79.4%); Heightened level of hypervigilance (76.2%); Depression (64.3%); Post-traumatic stress (57.1%); and Suicidal thoughts (37.3%). Suicidal behavior in older adults severely disrupts both the emotional stability and relational dynamics between them and their adult children. The study emphasizes the necessity of broadening our focus from solely addressing older adults’ needs to supporting their adult children. Comprehensive interventions must consider the unique challenges faced by adult children, providing targeted support to alleviate their emotional burden and strengthen their mental health. As we strive to understand and support those affected by suicidal behavior, it is crucial not to overlook the silent sacrifices made by those who bear the weight of an older family member’s crisis.