Are stressful life events prospectively associated with increased suicidal ideation and behaviour? A systematic review and meta-analysis

•Stressful life events increase the risk of subsequent suicidal ideation and behaviour.•Younger adults and males who experience stressful life events are at higher risk for suicidal ideation.•Stressful life events potentially increase the risk of suicidal ideation in the shorter term.•Clinicians should explore stressful life events as part of suicide risk assessments.•Suicide interventions could develop resilience and adaptive coping to stressful life events.