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The problem-solving diathesis in depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation: A longitudinal analysis

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Abstract

The problem-solving deficit (PSD) diathesis-stress model of suicide behavior proposed by Clum, Patsiokas, and Luscomb (1979) and expanded by Schotte and Clum (1982, 1987) was examined in a short-term longitudinal test. The present study assessed the relationship between problem-solving deficits at Time 1—prior to the stressor (a D or F on a midterm examination)—and adjustment at Time 2—after the Stressor. Evidence was found for an additive predictive relationship for stress and problem-solving deficits to Time 2 measures of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicide ideation. Evidence was also found that PSD × Stress interactions uniquely predicted the three criteria. The results of this study were taken as evidence of problem-solving deficits functioning as a diathesis for depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation.

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Priester, M.J., Clum, G.A. The problem-solving diathesis in depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation: A longitudinal analysis. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 15, 239–254 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01371381

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