The Relationship Between Impulsive Personality And Completed Suicide In Rural China: A Case-control Study With The Psychological Autopsy Method

Objective: In this study, we investigate the impulsive personality of completed suicide in rural area of Liaoning Province. We interview completed suicide groups and control groups face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire. The scale scores between completed suicide groups and control groups are compared from two dimensions of impulsive personality to identify the personality characteristic in committed suicide. This study aims to research relationship between the impulsive personality and the completed suicide and provide a theoretical basis for suicide prevention.Methods: This study selected completed suicide as the target person of suicide groups. They were committed suicide from June 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007 in rural areas of Liaoning Province. At the same time, we randomly selected the target person of control groups. Completed suicide group and control group were matched for residence. Two informants were interviewed for each case including controls themselves. Finally, the subjects were 162 cases of completed suicide and 162 living controls in this study.Results: (1)The total score of impulsive personality and score of dysfunctional impulsive personality in completed suicide groups is higher than control groups, and the score of functional impulsive personality is lower than control groups. (2)The results of the suicide-control comparison in sex and age are consistent with the overall results. The score of functional impulsive personality is lower for male than female in completed suicide groups. (3)Among completed suicide groups and control groups, the total score of impulsive personality in 15-24 year groups is higher than 25-35 year groups. (4)In completed suicide groups, people without mental disorder have higher total score of impulsive personality than people who has mental disorder. (5)Compared with low-impulsive groups, high-impulsive groups have lower score in logistical analyze, active evaluate, guidance and support, and problem- solving, as well as higher score in cognition evasively, abundance, and emotion-relieving. (6)Dysfunctional impulsive personality, mental disorder and pesticide contribute to the increased risk of completed suicide; functional impulsive personality and education are the protective factor in suicide.Conclusions: (1)The total score of impulsive personality in completed suicide groups is higher than control groups, people without mental disorder have higher total score of impulsive personality than people who have mental disorder in completed suicide groups. (2)High-impulsive groups have lower score of social support and coping response, and they commit suicide after they experience acute and negative life events. (3)Dysfunctional impulsive personality contributes to the increased risk of completed suicide; functional impulsive personality is the protective factor in completed suicide.