EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND/OR SEXUAL ABUSE, ATTITUDES ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN YOUNG WOMEN

Abstract

Experiencing sexual and/or physical abuse at any point in one's life can be quite traumatic. In addition to the immediate effects of the abuse, numerous long-term consequences have been identified, including an increased risk of developing psychological disorders and attempting suicide. We sought to determine if a relationship exists between abuse experiences, attitudes about life and death, and suicidal ideation by surveying 644 college women between the ages of 18 and 24. Participants completed packets containing standardized abuse questionnaires, the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale, and the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire. We concluded that abuse plays a role in how these young women think about life and death. Specifically, less repulsion by death and more repulsion by life were reported by women with more significant abuse histories. In addition, these same women endorsed higher levels of current suicidal ideation. It was also determined that women who had experienced more abuse tended to have been in therapy for longer periods of time. Implications of this study for mental health professionals working with suicidal young adults are discussed.