Analysis of suicidal behaviour in Israeli veterans and terror victims with post-traumatic stress disorder by using the computerised Gottschalk–Gleser scales

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to identify the vulnerability factors for suicide attempts in an Israeli sample, with the help of the Gottschalk–Gleser content analysis scales. The respondents were divided into four groups: suicide attempters; controls; post-traumatic stress disorder and depressed patients who did not report suicidal behaviour; and suicide ideators. The significant results represent conscious and unconscious psychological states, which suicide attempters have in common and can be seen as potential suicide risk factors. The main recurring risk-related themes are hopelessness, sickness, deterrents, frustrated dependency strivings, total anxiety and total depression.