Suicidality and the State-Trait Debate on Problem Solving Deficits: a Re-Examination With Incarcerated Young Offenders

This research examines the relationships between means-end problem-solving & suicidality in a group of incarcerated Scottish young offenders (n=61). The paper examines the issue concerning whether trait or state problem-solving deficits are more inextricably linked to suicidality. Results suggest a more complex interaction between problem-solving deficits, affective state, & suicidality than previously suggested. This study suggests that although problem-solving is not a trait phenomenon, it may be a state corollary of suicidality. It also provides evidence to suggest psychological distress is both a trait & state indicator of parasuicidal behaviour, in particular concerning depression, which was more pronounced among inmates with a parasuicidal history than found in the comparison group. (40 refs.)