This preliminary study examined resilience in relation to attempted suicide. 100 abstinent substance dependent Italian patients were interviewed about whether or not they had ever attempted suicide. They completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Results showed the 41 patients who had attempted suicide had significantly lower resilience scale scores than the 59 patients who had never attempted suicide. This suggests the possiblity low resilience may be a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. Longitudinal studies among suicide attempters, including measures of depression, may further evaluate the possible relevance of resilience to suicidal behaviour. (16 refs.)