Extended stress-vulnerability model of suicidal behavior to high school sample (n=613). Students completed measures of life stress, depression, hopelessness, reasons for living, loneliness, alcohol and drug use, and suicidal ideation. Four variables emerged as significant predictors of suicidal ideation: depression, hopelessness, few reasons for…

Examined life purpose, life satisfaction, reasons for living, and social support in recently bereaved individuals (n=122). Results indicated purpose was associated with greater life satisfaction, stronger reasons for living, more social support, and less impact; those bereaved from suicide were not different from other death groups. (Author/ABL)

The Reasons for Living Inventory was completed by 95 Black and 132 White male and female students at a predominantly White southern university. Female subjects had a greater fear of, and objection to, suicide. Blacks scored higher than Whites in reasons for living. (DM)

Analyzed the effects of marital status, race, and gender on the timing of suicide across three adult life stages. Logistic modeling showed distinct structural effects on the occurrence of suicide in midlife compared to the life stages immediately preceding and following it. Greater attention to the crises of women in midlife appears warranted.…

Responds to Werth's (1992) arguing for rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Commends Werth's willingness to address issue of rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with AIDS, but expresses concerns about data supporting his rationale and implications for counseling psychology and society…

Examined utility of cognitive variables (pessimism, perceived and actual problem-solving ability, polarized thinking, self-negativity, construct system constriction and differentiation) as predictors of suicide risk among 79 hospitalized psychiatric patients. Results indicated that hopelessness, self-negativity, and poor problem-solving…

Assessed relationship between stressful life events and adolescent suicide in 67 adolescent suicide victims and 67 matched community controls. Found that, in year before death, suicide completers were more likely than controls to have experienced interpersonal conflict with parents and boy/girlfriends; disruption of romantic attachment; legal or…

Applies two-axis model of human development to problem of suicide trajectory, in which organism begins each stage at negative or dystonic position in reaction to stage-initiating life event and must move ahead vertically to achieve positive syntonic quality and attain stage-specific syntonic equilibrium. Provides clinician with developmental guide…

The characteristics of male adolescent suicide victims with (N=84) and without (N=8) diagnosable psychiatric disorder were compared. Psychological autopsy data were collected on all adolescent suicides in one year. Communication of suicidal intent and problems with discipline just before the suicide are among the few clinical warning signs found.…

This comprehensive assessment process model includes primary, secondary, and situational risk factors and their combined implications and significance in determining an adolescent's level or risk for suicide. Empirical data and clinical intuition are integrated to form a working client model that guides the professional in continuously reassessing…

Beliefs about suicide and suicide ideation rates were studied in the classroom by questionnaire and by follow-up interview in the home among second-year high-school classes. Rates are reported. Differences were found between the two study methods. Discussion centers on the reasons for suicide and the need for preventive education. (Author/EMK)

A one-year test-retest study tested the model that the relationship between maternal depression and adolescent suicidal symptoms is mediated by family functioning. Children (N=240) and their mothers, 77% of whom had a history of mood disorder, participated. Results are consistent with the hypothesized model. (Author/EMK)

Investigates the representations that early relationships take on within the person's inner world and later tendency toward suicide. Surveys psychotherapists regarding their work with suicidal patients. Themes that emerged in patients' relationships were rejection, invasion, and engulfment. Incidents involving loss or rejection in the patients'…

Whether or not suicide may be considered a rational choice for clients with terminal illness is controversial. Rational suicide and the literature and statistics pertaining to suicide and terminal illness are reviewed. Implications of accepting rational suicide as a treatment option, including moral and ethical issues, are addressed. (Author/EMK)

Study assessed the contribution of physical abuse to increased risk for suicidal behaviors in physically abused adolescents compared with non-abused adolescents. Significant predictors of scores on the instrument used included parent and adolescent psychopathology, poor academic performance, and decreased family cohesiveness. Physical abuse was a…