Optimistic Explanatory Style as a Moderator of the Association Between Negative Life Events and Suicide Ideation

This study examines the moderating effect of explanatory style on the relationship between negative life experiences & suicide ideation in a college student sample. A total of 138 participants completed a self-report psychosocial assessment. Optimistic explanatory style mitigated the influence of negative & potentially traumatic life events on thoughts of suicide, above & beyond the effects of hopelessness & depression. Beliefs about the origin, pervasiveness, & potential recurrence of a negative life event may affect psychological outomes. Optimistic reframing of negative life events for clients may have treatment implications for the prevention of suicidal activity. (48 refs.)