Some positive life events may be associated with suicidal manifestations

There is a plethora of research which confirms the role of negative life events (NLE) such as death of a loved one, painful break of relations, conflicts, losses and life crises in provoking suicidal tendencies. In contrast with this, the role of positive life events (PLE) is not well understood. Some studies consider that they may balance NLE acting as protective factors, while there are also studies in which possible stressful nature of PLE is discussed. In this study 618 healthy volunteers and 201 persons with addictive behavior (alcohol and drug abuse) were questioned regarding their NLE (structured interview) and PLE (free representation by respondent). It was found that addicts reported about any PLE more often than controls though the average number of PLE per person was almost the same and equaled 2. Some PLE in males predicted lower suicidal thoughts, i.e. Army service and healthy males and close relations in addicts. The number of PLE that were associated with higher risk of suicidality was bigger than proactive ones. Ina control group regardless gender it was “Religion”, in healthy males it was “Occupation” while in healthy females - “Relations”. In male addicts higher risk was predicted by “Better living conditions” and “Rest”. The data obtained testify that some freely declared PLE reflect hidden psychological or existential problems which enhance suicidality. In view of this it is important to differentiate between PLE and “protective factors” of suicide.