Suicidal Ideation and Behavior and Some Psychological Correlates in Physically Disabled Motor-Vehicle Accident Survivors

Suicide ideation & behavior, self-concept, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, & correlations among these traits was explored in a sample of 50 Slovenian individuals permanently disabled after a motor vehicle accident. Rehabilitating patients with spinal cord injury were characterized by low total self-concept, presence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, & suicide ideation & behaviour. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were correlated with low self-concept & suicidal tendencies. While limited by small sample size, results support the need to explore further suicide risk & psychological correlates in patients with permanent physical disability. (21 refs.)