The Effect of Resilience and Stress Coping Styles on Suicide Attempts in Females Reporting Spouse-Related Abuse

Abstract

Background: Spouse-related abuse involves a wide range of behaviors by the partner and has many debilitating consequences for the victim, such as suicide attempt. Objectives: The aim of this study was to predict the effect of resilience and stress coping styles on the likelihood of suicide attempt in females reporting spouse-related abuse. Methods: The present descriptive comparative study was conducted on 150 female victims of spouse-related abuse in the city of Ilam, Iran, during year 2016. They were matched in two groups with and without a history of suicide attempt over the past 12 months. Data collection tools included the world health organization violence against women instrument, the connor-davidson resilience scale, and the coping inventory for stressful situations. Purposive and snowball methods were used. The obtained data was analyzed using the SPSS-21 software. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the frequency and severity of exposure to different forms of violence. The mean scores of resilience (P < 0.001; -13.03 to -6.34) and problem-oriented coping style (P = 0.004, -7.65 to -1.46) were significantly higher in females without a history of suicide attempt compared to the other group. For every unit increase in the resilience score, the likelihood of not attempting suicide increased by 1.134, and for every unit increase in the avoidance style score, the likelihood of not attempting suicide decreased by 0.931. This effect remained significant with the addition of demographic variables. Conclusions: A high level of resilience and the use of problem-oriented coping have a major role in reducing the likelihood of suicide attempt in females subjected to violence. Introducing couples to coping strategies, problem solving, and anger management is an integral part of life skills education.