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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Four studies on how past and current suicidality relate even when "everything but the kitchen sink" is covaried
Thomas E Joiner1, Yeates Conwell, Kathleen Kara Fitzpatrick
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA. joiner@psy.fsu.edu
Abstract:
T. E. Joiner's (2004, in press) theory of suicidal behavior suggests that past suicidal behavior plays an important role in future suicidality. However, the mechanism by which this risk is transferred and the causal implications have not been well studied. The current study provides evaluation of the nature and limits of this relationship across 4 populations, with varying degrees of suicidal behavior. Across settings, age groups, and impairment levels, the association between past suicidal behavior and current suicidal symptoms held, even when controlling for strong covariates like hopelessness and symptoms of various Axis I and II syndromes. Results provide additional support for the importance of past suicidality as a substantive risk factor for later suicidal behavior.
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