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Hopelessness, depression and suicidal intent in parasuicide
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Hopelessness is a key factor in the relationship between depression and suicidal intent in individuals who engage in parasuicide. Understanding this link is crucial for assessing suicide risk and informing interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Suicidology
Background:
- Parasuicide involves self-harm without lethal intent but indicates significant distress.
- Previous research suggests links between depression, hopelessness, and suicidal intent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the inter-relationships between depression, hopelessness, and suicidal intent in parasuicide.
- To confirm and elaborate on existing findings regarding these psychological factors.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with 120 hospital-referred individuals who had engaged in parasuicide.
- The Suicide Intent Scale was used to measure the degree of suicidal intent.
Main Results:
- Both depression and hopelessness were found to correlate with suicidal intent.
- The relationship between depression and suicidal intent was contingent upon the strength of the hopelessness-suicidal intent relationship.
Conclusions:
- Hopelessness plays a critical mediating role in the association between depression and suicidal intent in parasuicide.
- Findings have implications for both theoretical models of suicide and practical clinical assessment.