Introduction:

the diagnosis of cancer is a determining and critical event for people. The recurrent presence of psychological problems is associated with a worse prognosis, and current literature reports that entrapment predicts suicidal ideation and has a significant impact on mental health.

Objective:

to examine the predictive (statistical) relationship between psychological entrapment and suicidal ideation using a structural equation model in adults with cancer.

Methodology:

explanatory, quantitative and transversal research design. 225 Peruvian adults with a diagnosis of cancer participated. Self-reports on entrapment and suicidal ideation were applied. In the statistical analyses, a structural equation model was executed based on the covariances and adjustment indices.

Results:

the mean score was higher for suicidal ideation (M = 11,56) compared to entrapment (M = 9,14). The regression model was acceptable (CFI = 0,94, RMSEA = 0,07 [90% CI: 0,04, 0,09] and SRMR = 0,05). It was observed that entrapment statistically significantly predicts suicidal ideation (β = 0,615; p = 0,001).

Conclusion:

the results suggest that cancer patients are likely to experience suicidal ideation when they experience a perception of entrapment. Therefore, psychological intervention in entrapment, may be useful in suicide prevention programs in adults with cancer.

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