Negative attributional style for interpersonal events and the occurrence of severe interpersonal disruptions as predictors of self-reported suicidal ideation

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 1995 Summer;25(2):297-304.

Abstract

We applied the hopelessness theory of depression to suicidal symptoms: 203 undergraduates completed questionnaires on attributional style, negative life events, hopelessness, and suicidal symptoms at one point in time and again 10 weeks later. Consistent with prediction, the combination of a negative attributional style for interpersonal events and the occurrence of such events were prospectively related to increases in self-reported suicidality over the course of the 10-week study. These findings displayed specificity with respect to interpersonal versus achievement-related styles and events. Contrary to hypothesis, hopelessness did not mediate the relation between the Attributional style x Stress interaction and the increases in self-reported suicidality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Personality Assessment*
  • Problem Solving
  • Self Concept
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention