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Self-Disgust and Its Relationship With Lifetime Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
Anne Schienle1, Daniela Schwab1, Carina Höfler1
1Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria.
Crisis
|January 11, 2020
Summary
Self-disgust significantly predicts suicide risk, linked to poor coping and less social support. Targeting self-disgust may be crucial for suicide prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Disgust is typically an external emotion, but self-directed disgust responses can occur.
- Self-disgust involves negative feelings and judgments directed towards oneself.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-disgust and lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior.
- To explore the role of coping styles and social support in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- An Internet-based survey was administered to 1,167 participants.
- Self-report measures assessed self-disgust, external disgust proneness, coping styles, mental disorders, and suicide risk.
- Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Self-disgust emerged as the strongest predictor of suicide risk among all variables.
- Self-disgust correlated negatively with seeking support and positively with evasive coping strategies (self-blame, denial, venting).
- Evasive coping strategies were positively associated with suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Self-disgust is a significant factor in suicide risk.
- Interventions targeting self-disgust may be beneficial for suicide prevention.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings and inform clinical practice.
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