Problem-solving appraisal, hopelessness, and suicide ideation: Evidence for a mediational model.

Extended the research on D. E. Schotte and G. Clum's (see PA, Vols 69:1287 and 74:15906, respectively) theory of suicidal behavior using structural equation modeling involving latent variables to evaluate whether the construct of hopelessness mediates between the constructs of problem-solving appraisal and suicide ideation (SI). Participants in the study were 217 individuals in an intensive outpatient program targeting suicidal behavior in young adults. Results indicated a significant direct effect for hopelessness in predicting suicide ideation. Consistent with the mediational hypothesis, the results also indicated a significant indirect effect for problem-solving appraisal (through its impact on hopelessness) in predicting SI. Results not only replicate but also extend previous research by testing theory and increase the field's conceptualization of SI and behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)