Predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent in a community corrections sample

PurposeLittle published research data exist about suicidal ideation and self-harm behavior in community corrections and we seek to fill this void.AimsTo examine the effects of drug dependence, depression, anxiety, psychopathy, fracture, and child trauma on suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent in community corrections.MethodsThe Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism Revised (SSAGA II) and the screening version of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:SV) were administered. Separate binary logistic regression analyses were used to predict lifetime suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and self-harm behavior.ResultsPrevalences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and self-harm without lethal intent were 41%, 19%, and 14%. Suicidal ideation was predicted by drug dependence, elevated PCL:SV Factor 2 score, and Caucasian race. Suicidal ideation and attempt were both predicted by fractures, depression, and child trauma. Self-harm was predicted by fractures, panic, PCL:SV score, and child trauma.ConclusionsChild trauma and multiple fractures are potent predictors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm without lethal intent in this community corrections sample. Depression predicted suicidal ideation and attempts, while panic predicted self-harm without lethal intent. Psychopathy was also an important predictor of suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors without lethal intent.

Research highlights
► Community offenders have high frequencies of suicidal ideas and self-harm.
► Traumatic experience and fractures predicted suicidal ideas and self-harm.
► Drug dependence predicted suicidal ideation.
► Panic predicted self-harm without lethal intent.
► Total PCL:SV score predicted self-harm, Factor 2 score predicted suicidal ideation.