Suicidal Ideation as a Multifactorial Concept: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Risk Factors in Women

Suicidal ideation is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon that has been widely studied over the years, although many of these studies have mainly reflected a clinical component, focussing on risk factors and causes from a medical perspective. This systematic review focuses on the importance of psychosocial factors in order to understand the phenomenon as a whole. PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched following the PRISMA methodology, including empirical studies related to suicidal ideation and its variables. Post‐2008 studies were selected since the global financial crisis marked a structural change in the economy and public policies, affecting key variables that may influence the results. Previous studies may not reflect current economic and social conditions. In total, 22 studies were included, providing evidence on the most significant risk factors for suicidal ideation in the female population, highlighting those related to mental health, stress, social support, sociodemographic factors and contextual and cultural factors. Within these blocks, variables associated with social support, both emotional and instrumental, played a crucial role, as did sociodemographic and economic factors, such as income level, educational level and marital status. In addition, financial and job insecurity were found to increase women’s vulnerability to suicidal ideation. Contextual and cultural factors, such as geographical location, culture, traumatic experiences or structural changes, including the pandemic, were also identified as key determinants.