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Hopelessness, Depression and Suicidal Intent in Parasuicide

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

J. A. T. Dyer
Affiliation:
Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF; formerly member of scientific staff of the MRC Unit for Epidemiological Studies in Psychiatry, Edinburgh
N. Kreitman
Affiliation:
M.R.C. Unit for Epidemiological Studies in Psychiatry, University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF

Summary

Previous work on the inter-relationships among depression, hopelessness and suicidal intent in parasuicide is reviewed. Our own study of 120 hospital-referred parasuicides confirms previous findings that, while both depression and hopelessness correlate with the degree of suicidal intent as measured on a Suicide Intent Scale, the relationship between depression and suicidal intent is dependent on that between hopelessness and suicidal intent. Some practical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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