Hopelessness and suicide

Abstract
Recent research has established hopelessness as a key mediating variable between depression and suicide intent and behavior. The relative roles of hopelessness and other cognitive characteristics of suicidal individuals, such as cognitive rigidity and poor problem-solving skills, have been examined and models of suicidal behavior proposed. Cognitive therapy research developed scales for assessing suicidal ideation, suicide intent, and hopelessness and conducted prospective studies which demonstrate the predictive utility of hopelessness in eventual suicide. The cognitive characteristics of suicidal individuals, including hopelessness, are discussed as suicide risk factors. Implications for treatment are discussed.

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