Life events and psychopathology in a group of suicide attempters.
Researchers examined the incidence of negative life events and associated these events with psychological scales (depression, hopelessness, self-esteem and state-trait anger) in a group of suicide attempters (n = 101) within the framework of the WHO/EURO Multicenter Study on Suicidal Behavior. Certain negative life events (especially relationship problems and physical/mental abuse in childhood) turned out to be the main indicators of severe mental problems in the family of the attempters (e.g. addiction, self-destructive behavior or psychiatric hospitalization). Significant positive correlations were found between the number of events and some psychopathological symptoms like depression, hopelessness, anger and lack of self-esteem. The role of stressful life events in suicidal behavior is emphasized. Particularly traumatic events (e.g. abuse in childhood) may be involved in the development of psychological and/or biological vulnerability (stress-diathesis model) and cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, in the psychotherapy of suicide attempters, it is essential to explore and discuss negative life events.
Osvath
Peter
P
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary. peter.osvath@aok.pte.hu
Vörös
Viktor
V
Fekete
Sandor
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000786:Anger; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology