Exploration of the Relationship Between Physical and/or Sexual Abuse, Attitudes About Life and Death, and Suicidal Ideation in Young Women

This study sought to determine if a relationship exists between abuse experiences, attitudes about life & death, & suicidal ideation by surveying 644 college women between the ages of 18-24. Results indicated abuse plays a role in how these young women think about life & death. Specifically, less repulsion by death & more repulsion by life were reported by women with more significant abuse histories. These same women endorsed higher levels of current suicidal ideation. Women who had experienced more abuse tended to have been in therapy for longer periods of time. Implications of the study for mental health professionals working with suicidal young adults are discussed. (36 refs.)