Predictors of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts, and Self-Harm Without Lethal Intent in a Community Corrections Sample

• NCJ Number: 234847
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2011 Pages: 238-245
• Author(s): Tracy D. Gunter; John T. Chibnall; Sandra K. Antoniak; Robert A. Philibert; Nancy Hollenbeck
• Date Published: June 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This study examined the prevalence of risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent in a sample of probationers and parolees from community corrections.

Abstract

Findings from the study indicate that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 41 percent, suicide attempt was 19 percent, and self-harm without lethal intent was 14 percent. Risk factors for suicidal ideation included drug dependence, an elevated PCL:SV Factor 2 score, and being Caucasian. Risk factors for self-harm without lethal intent included fractures, panic, PCL:SV score, and child trauma. Both suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were predicted by fractures, depression, and child trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of drug dependence, depression, anxiety, psychopathy, fracture, and child trauma on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and self-harm without lethal intents in a community corrections setting. Data were obtained from interviews with probationers and parolees from a community corrections setting that were administered the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism Revised (SSAGA-II) and the screening version of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:SV). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to predict lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and self-harm without lethal intent. Analyses of the findings indicate that child trauma and multiple fractures are significant predictors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent. In addition, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt was predicted by depression, self-harm without lethal intent was predicted by panic, and suicidal ideation and self-harm without lethal intent were predicted by psychopathy. These findings highlight the need for providing appropriate levels of medical and mental health services in community corrections settings to reduce the incidences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm behaviors among inmates. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references