Determinants of Suicidal Ideation Among Young Single-person Households: A Secondary Data Analysis of the 2022 Korean Youth Life Survey

This study aims to empirically examine the factors influencing suicidal ideation among young single-person households and to derive policy implications for promoting mental health and mitigating suicide risk. Utilizing data from the 2022 Korean Youth Life Survey, a subsample of 5,355 individuals living alone was extracted and analyzed. Suicidal ideation was set as the dependent variable, and differences were examined based on emotional, health-related, and social characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to identify the key influencing factors. The results revealed that gender, depression level, life satisfaction, subjective happiness, perceived health status, smoking behavior, and social relationships were statistically significant predictors of suicidal ideation. In particular, depression and smoking emerged as primary risk factors that increased the likelihood of suicidal ideation, whereas life satisfaction, happiness, positive health perception, and social connections functioned as protective factors reducing the risk. Based on these findings, the study discusses integrated intervention strategies focusing on three core areas: enhancing emotional stability, fostering a healthy living environment, and strengthening social networks to prevent suicide among young single-person households.