Which of the following risk factors is known to increase the likelihood of suicide?

The suicide of a family member or friend is a significant risk factor that can increase the likelihood of an individual considering or attempting suicide. This phenomenon can be attributed to several psychological and social factors. When someone experiences the loss of a loved one to suicide, they may go through a range of emotions, such as grief, confusion, and guilt, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Additionally, this loss can serve as a catalyst for suicidal thoughts, as individuals may identify with the struggles that lead their loved one to take such actions.

Moreover, witnessing or learning about a close person's suicide can normalize the act in the mind of the bereaved, making it seem like a potential solution to their own struggles. This pattern is often discussed in the context of "suicide contagion," where exposure to suicidal behavior can increase an individual's risk of suicide.

While other options indeed represent significant stressors and mental health challenges, the direct impact of losing someone close to suicide alters an individual's emotional landscape in profound ways that can increase their own suicide risk.