ABSTRACT

Each year, an average of one million people end their lives by suicide. This rate is higher for disadvantaged groups such as the criminal population and substance users. Psychiatric problems and certain social factors increase suicide risk. Although the criminal involved and substance users have been studied in Turkey, research on suicide risk factors are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of personality traits, and psychosocial variables such as family functioning, and perceived social support on suicide risk in individuals directed to Turkish probation services.

Participants were 403 males, of which 183 were substance users and 220 were criminals.

Results revealed a significant relationship between being single, low income, criminal behavior at an early age, substance use behavior, multiple drug use, and suicide risk. Additionally, personality traits of neuroticism and psychoticism, as well as family members’ interest in each other were found to be best predictive variables of suicide risk R2 = 0.551, F (12, 389) = 39.79, p <.001; Adjusted R2 = .537, and the explained variance ratio was 55%.

These results indicate that inclusion of social support factors such as family support, in suicide prevention programs may decrease suicide risk.

Keywords: Suicide Risk, Crime, Substance Use, Personality, Family Functioning, Perceived Social Support