Effects of sexual victimization on suicidal ideation and behavior in US college women

Journal/Book: Suicide Life Threaten Behav. 1998; 28: 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012. Guilford Publications Inc. 107-126.

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and five types of sexual victimization in a sample of 393 female undergraduate students. Participants completed self-report measures of sexual victimization, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. Adult sexual victimization, but not childhood sexual abuse, predicted current hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual victimization predicted suicidal behavior. One in four rape victims, in contrast to approximately 1 in 20 nonvictimized women, had engaged in a suicidal act. Vaginal penetration following the threat or use of physical force was a stronger predictor of suicidal behavior than penetration without the use of force and/or force without penetration. The findings point to the importance of inquiring about experiences of sexual victimization when conducting research or treatment with suicidal women as well as the need for suicide risk assessment in programs for victims of sexual violence.

Note: Article Stepakoff S, St Johns Univ, Dept Psychol, Marillac Bldg Room 409, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Jamaica,NY 11439 USA

Keyword(s): CHILD PSYCHIATRIC-INPATIENTS; LATENCY-AGE CHILDREN; PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES; SOCIAL DESIRABILITY; HOPELESSNESS SCALE; ACQUAINTANCE RAPE; NATIONAL SAMPLE; RISK-FACTORS; VICTIMS; ADOLESCENT

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