Suicide and the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study of discourse on an online pro-choice for suicide discussion forum.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a widespread impact on millions of individuals. Many turned to social media as an outlet for sharing personal experiences, such as the impact of the pandemic on suicidality. The purpose of this study was to understand the pandemic's impact on individuals who discuss their suicidality on social media. Keywords were used to search for discussion threads (N = 118) related to the pandemic on an online pro-choice for suicide forum. Using reflexive thematic analysis, six themes related to the pandemic's impact on mental health, suicidality, living conditions, and optimism were identified. Examination of the content from pro-choice for suicide forums may yield authentic information on the impact of the pandemic on those considering suicide. This study contributes to our understanding of the nuances of factors impacting mental health and suicidality during the pandemic, including unique risk and protective factors.

Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Stigma of Suicide Scale Using a Sample of Adults Bereaved by Suicide and Suicide Attempt Survivors.

The Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) is a measure of public attitudes toward suicide decedents, which makes it unique from other scales that measure more general attitudes toward suicide. The aim of this study was to further replicate and extend the reliability and factor structure of the SOSS (both long- and short form) in a sample of individuals directly impacted by suicide. This study also sought to identify factors that impact suicide attitudes unique to this sample. The sample included 312 participants who had personal experience with suicide. Results provided support for the oblique three-factor structure of the SOSS (stigma, isolation/depression, and glorification/normalization), with a superior model fit for the 16-item short form version. Correlates of suicide attitudes among individuals exposed to suicide included perceived relationship closeness to a suicide decedent, experience with both loss and attempt, and the sex of the suicide decedent.

Understanding Public Attitudes Toward Cannabis Legalization: Qualitative Findings From a Statewide Survey.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis policy is rapidly evolving in the United States as more states legalize medical and non-medical marijuana. Public opinion has shifted dramatically in favor of marijuana legalization. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the reasons that people support, oppose, or are unsure about marijuana legalization, focusing on the participants' own words. METHODS: A statewide sample of adults (N = 2,608) in Michigan completed an online survey about marijuana legalization (August and September 2016). Participants indicated whether they supported, opposed, or were unsure about marijuana legalization, and were then prompted to complete an open-ended response explaining the main reasons for their view. Thematic analysis was then used to code the open-ended responses (n = 2,054) and analytic induction was used to evaluate the coding. RESULTS: 48.1% of the sample supported cannabis legalization, 41.9% were opposed to legalization, and 10% were unsure. Harms associated with marijuana use were the most commonly given reasons for opposing legalization. Those who supported legalization were most likely to state that marijuana is less dangerous than other substances and has medical benefits. They also cited criminal justice reform and the potential for tax revenue as potential benefits of legalization. Reasons for supporting and opposing legalization differed based on gender, age, and recent marijuana use. Conclusions/Importance: Findings highlight nuances in public attitudes toward cannabis legalization. Many who support cannabis legalization recognize some potential negative consequences of these policy changes. Understanding views of cannabis is important as policies for marijuana use and sales become less restrictive.

Characteristics Associated with Attitudes toward Marijuana Legalization in Michigan.

Support for legalization of marijuana has increased over the past several years. While studies have examined correlates of favoring marijuana legalization, less attention has been placed on those who are unsure about legalization, despite the potentially important role of this group as states vote on legalization in upcoming elections. Using data from a statewide sample of adults in Michigan, this study examined whether those who support, oppose, or are unsure about legalization differed based on demographics, marijuana use, and perceived risk associated with marijuana use. Those who were older and perceived marijuana use to pose a greater risk had lower odds of being unsure about legalization (relative to opposing legalization); those who were politically left of center or centrist and those who reported lifetime marijuana use had higher odds of being unsure about legalization. Older respondents, women, and those who perceived marijuana use to be risky had lower odds of supporting legalization; those who were politically left of center or centrist, and those who reported recent or lifetime marijuana use had higher odds of supporting legalization. Better understanding correlates of being unsure about marijuana legalization may help inform political and prevention efforts as states continue to vote on these issues.