Citation

Pompili M, Girardi P, Innamorati M, Tatarelli G, Ruberto A, Ferrari V, Tatarelli R. Arch. Suicide Res. 2007; 11(2): 193-202.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome La Sapienza. McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Boston, MA. USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110600896392

PMID

17453697

Abstract

Attitudes and feelings towards the body may be a source of pleasure and well-being; on the other hand, bodily dissatisfaction may lead to suffering, depression and even suicide. The study population consisted of 500 university students (190 males, 310 females); mean age of participants was 21.62 (SD = 2.70). Participants were assessed by means of the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), the Reason for Living Inventory (RFL), and the Zung Self Depression Scale (SDS). Data underline a linear relationship between uneasiness linked to body image and possible suicide risk. Such evidence suggests that body uneasiness can be a source of psychological pain and in serious cases expose the individuals to an increased suicide risk. Yet, depression was the strongest correlate of increased suicide risk.

Language: en