Differences in Reasons for Taking Overdoses in High and Low Hopelessness Groups

35 people admitted to hospital following deliberate self-harm by overdose were interviewed. Patients rated several reasons for making the attempt on 0-10-point scales, & completed the Beck Hopelessness scale. High hopelessness was associated with an increased wish to die. Intercorrelations between reasons suggested that in low hopelessness interpersonal reasons were the most central constructs, whereas in the high hopelessness patients, the escape motive was the most central. 20 refs. (LH)