Perfectionism, Cognitive Bias, and Hopelessness as Prospective Predictors of Suicidal Ideation

Perfectionism, negative cognitive bias, & hopelessness were assessed among people hospitalized for depression. Hopelessness & suicidal ideation were assessed 6 months after discharge. Analyses indicated that higher perfectionism as an inpatient was directly associated with higher suicidal ideation 6 months later. Cognitive bias, in contrast, led to greater hopelessness 6 months later, which in turn led to higher concurrent suicidal ideation. Implications are discussed. (44 refs)