Four Studies on how Past and Current Suicidality Relate Even When “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” is Covaried

Joiner’s theory of suicidal behaviour suggests past suicidal behaviour plays an important role in future suicidality. However, the mechanism by which this risk is transferred & the causal implications have not been well studied. This study provides evaluation of the nature & limits of this relationship across 4 populations, with varying degrees of suicidal behaviour. Across settings, age groups, & impairment levels, the association between past suicidal behaviour & current suicidal symptoms held, even when controlling for strong covariates like hopelessness & symptoms of various Axis I & II syndromes. Results provide additional support for the importance of past suicidality as a substantive risk factor for later suicidal behaviour. (65 refs.) JA