AIDS-related factors predictive of suicidal ideation of low and high intent among gay and bisexual men.
AIDS-related stressors were studied in relationship to suicidal ideation and suicide intent among 778 gay and bisexual men (none with AIDS). Over the previous six months, 27% (n = 212) reported suicidal ideation. Subjects who reported suicidal ideation (compared to those who did not) were more likely to report recent (last 6 months) bereavement of partner, recent ARC diagnosis, and multiple close friends with ARC. Suicide ideators were divided by a median split on a self-report scale of suicide intent into low (n = 105) and high (n = 107) intent suicide ideators. News of HIV seropositivity was specifically related to low intent suicidal ideation. High intent suicidal ideation was associated with having a partner with AIDS or ARC, or multiple close friends with AIDS, or having ARC. Generally speaking, while temporally discrete AIDS-related events were associated the report of suicidal ideation, ongoing stressors which may more greatly challenge adaptational capacities were more associated with high intent suicidal ideation.
Schneider
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Taylor
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Kemeny
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ME
Hammen
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D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention