Psychosocial Correlates of Loneliness and Suicidality in the Taiwanese General Population

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of loneliness and to investigate the associations between loneliness and suicidality among the general population in Taiwan. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of random samples in surveys. Sample: During 2016 and 2017, 2148 and 2098 participants (N = 4246) from a representative sampling of the Taiwanese population were interviewed via the computer-assisted telephone system in Taiwan. Measurements: The study measured demographics, psychological distress, suicide risk factors, and loneliness status (single-item measurement). The association between loneliness and psychosocial factors was analyzed using Spearman's correlation. Logistic regression was applied in the association between loneliness and current suicide ideation. Results: Around 13.1% in the sample perceived feelings of loneliness. Loneliness status was significantly associated with increased psychological distress and suicide risks. The regression model indicated that the three most significant factors linked to loneliness were “no one trustworthy to talk to” (OR = 3.69), substance abuse (OR = 3.43), and depression (OR = 3.07), whereas self-rated mental health (poor to good) (OR = 4.11), loneliness (OR = 2.59), and depression (OR = 2.09) were associated with current suicide ideation. Conclusion: Loneliness was a significant suicide risk factor with multiple underlying psychosocial influences. Establishing support groups or service referrals through early psychosocial assessment could identify or alleviate loneliness and/or reduce suicide risk.