The aims of this study were to identify cognitive vulnerabilities & to examine the protective role of active engagement in sport in the development of suicide ideation & hopelessness. In Study 1, 102 male military recruits participated. Scores on the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire but not on the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale predicted presence of suicide ideation 3 months later. The results of Study 2 with 84 university students showed that scores on the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire but not the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale were significantly associated with hopelessness. Students actively engaged in sports exhibited less hopelessness. (68 refs.)