Factor influencing suicide intent in gay and bisexual suicide ideators: differing models for men with and without human immunodeficiency virus.
Of 778 gay and bisexual men (none with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]), 27% (n = 212) reported suicidal ideation over the previous 6 months. Covariance structure models were used to explore predictors of suicide intent among (n = 112) suicide ideators with (n = 100) and without (n = 112) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Current AIDS-related stressors (deaths and illnesses and perceived AIDS risk) and past levels of adaptive functioning (social isolation and depression) were significantly more powerful predictors of suicide intent among HIV-positive than among HIV-negative ideators. Biological AIDS risk predicted neither suicide intent, current distress, nor perceived AIDS risk. Pathways to suicide intent appear to be psychologically, rather than biologically, mediated. Among HIV-positive ideators, AIDS-related death and illness events predicted suicide intent but not current distress symptoms. Some suicidal ideation in response to AIDS-related events may be an effort to cope rather than a manifestation of psychological distress.
Schneider
S G
SG
University of California, Los Angeles.
Taylor
S E
SE
Hammen
C
C
Kemeny
M E
ME
Dudley
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013850:Thinking