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Problem solving and suicidality among prison inmates: another look at state versus trait
A Ivanoff1, N J Smyth, S Grochowski
1Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York 10025.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This study found that problem-solving skills in male prison inmates with a history of self-harm were not affected by current suicidality. These findings suggest trait problem-solving deficits are not linked to suicidality in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Recent evidence suggests state, not trait, vulnerabilities may cause problem-solving deficits.
- Previous research explored problem-solving and suicidality in inpatient and college student populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between means-ends problem solving and suicidality in adult male prison inmates.
- To investigate if state or trait vulnerabilities influence problem-solving deficits in incarcerated individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Means-Ends Problem-Solving Procedure (MEPS).
- Assessed 93 adult male state prison inmates.
- Examined correlations between parasuicide history, current suicidality, and problem-solving performance.
Main Results:
- Among inmates with a history of parasuicide, current suicidality did not impact problem-solving performance.
- In nonsuicidal inmates, parasuicide history did not affect problem-solving or affect-suicidality measures.
- Results support the notion that trait problem-solving deficits are not causally linked to suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Findings challenge the direct causal link between trait problem-solving deficits and suicidality in incarcerated males.
- Raises questions about the complex interplay of suicidality, problem-solving, depression, and hopelessness within prison populations.