Coping and Thought Suppresion as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in Depressed Older Adults With Personality Disorders

This study examined coping styles & thought suppression as predictors of a suicide risk composite score in a sample of depressed older adults with co-occurring personality disorders. Based on the extant literature, it was hypothesized that maladaptive coping & chronic thought suppression would significantly predict suicide risk. Results indicated elevated emotional coping & thought suppression were associated with increased suicide risk. Contrary to hypotheses, lower avoidance coping was associated with increased risk, although this finding was moderated by Axis II diagnosis. Treatments focussing on decreasing emotional coping & chronic thought suppression may result in decreased suicide ideation & hopelessnes in this population. (52 refs.)