(PS13-62) What Makes Life Worth Living? A Qualitative Study of Suicidal Community Adults

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are prevalent and significant concerns worldwide. Recent research underscores the limited utility of risk factors in predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Franklin et al., 2017). Consequently, there is a growing call for a shift towards a life-oriented approach to suicide prevention, emphasizing building resilience and a life experienced worth living (Stritzke & Page, 2020). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment of suicidality, aligns with this life-oriented approach by helping people build a life experienced as worth living that goes beyond mere symptom remission. However, a critical gap exists in understanding how individuals with lived experience of suicidality perceive and define “a life worth living,” along with the key elements that contribute to this construct. The present research aims to explore the subjective definition of “a life worth living” among individuals currently experiencing suicidal thoughts. A sample of 264 community adults (Mean age = 33.32) participated in an online study. All participants reported multiple episodes of suicidal ideation in the past month, with 35% reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempts. Participants provided written responses to the question “What does ‘a life worth living’ mean to you personally, and what elements or experiences do you believe contribute to that definition for you?” The collected responses will undergo thematic analysis, facilitated by two independent reviewers, to identify recurring themes and define the core elements comprising the participants’ conceptualizations of a life worth living. This study will contribute meaningfully to a deeper understanding of the diverse factors influencing how individuals with suicidal thoughts perceive a meaningful life. Moreover, the findings hold the potential to inform tailored interventions resonating with the lived realities of individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, ultimately advancing suicide prevention strategies for greater efficacy and relevance.