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Prospective predictors of suicidality: defeat and entrapment lead to changes in suicidal ideation over time
Peter James Taylor1, Patricia A Gooding, Alex M Wood
1School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK. p.j.taylor@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk
Abstract:
Theoretical perspectives into suicidality have suggested that heightened perceptions of defeat and entrapment lead to suicidality. However, all previous empirical work has been cross-sectional. We provide the first longitudinal test of the theoretical predictions, in a sample of 79 students who reported suicidality. Participants completed self-report measures of suicidal ideation, depression, defeat, and entrapment at two time points, approximately 12 months apart. People higher in defeat became more suicidal over time (β= .45), with baseline levels of suicidality and depressive symptoms controlled. The current results support the posited role of perceived defeat in driving suicidal ideation.
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