PROBLEM-SOLVING APPRAISAL, STRESS, HOPELESSNESS, AND SUICIDE IDEATION IN A COLLEGE POPULATION

This investigation expands the research linking problem-solving skills to suicide by examining the role of problem-solving appraisal. In Study 1, 277 students enrolled in introductory psychology courses completed measures of problem-solving appraisal, negative life stress, and suicide ideation. In Study 2, 382 students enrolled in introductory psychology courses completed measures of problem-solving appraisal, negative life stress, and hopelessness. The results from both studies suggest that problem-solving appraisal and negative life stress are significant independent predictors of suicide ideation and hopelessness. The results are discussed in terms of Schotte and Clum's (1982, 1987) diathesis-stress-hopelessness model of suicidal behavior.