Alone in the aftermath: A nationwide prospective study on the role of loneliness in depression-driven suicidal ideation following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack
Findings highlight the compounding effect of depression and loneliness on suicide ideation in the aftermath of mass trauma. The results suggest that loneliness may act as a critical mechanism that sustains suicidality by reinforcing isolation and limiting access to emotional support. This study underscores the need for trauma-informed suicide prevention strategies that incorporate interventions aimed at reducing loneliness, enhancing interpersonal connectedness, and promoting social reintegration.
Authors
- Iris Shacher-Lavie
- Yoav Groweiss
- Carmel Blank
- Doron Amsalem
- Yuval Neria
- Yossi Levi-Belz
Institutions
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center (US)
- Ruppin Academic Center (IL)
- New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute (US)
- University of Haifa (IL)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Psychiatry Research
- Published
- 2026-02-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117031
- Primary Topic
- Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00