Citation

Keller M, Guevara Werlang BS. J. Bras. Psiquiatr. 2005; 54(2): 128-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Instituto De Psiquiatria)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing problem-solving flexibility in individuals who have attempted suicide, checking differences between hopelessness levels in attempters and no-attempters, also identifying possible relationships between problem-solving flexibility and hopelessness.

METHODS: The sample included 32 individuals who had attempted suicide (G1) paired with 32 individuals who had no suicide-attempt history (G2). Instruments used included: Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST); Stroop color and word test; Beck hopelessness scale; WAIS-III object assembly, digit symbol-coding and vocabulary subtests; and mini-international neuropsychiatric interview.

RESULTS: In WCST categories and Stroop test, the G1 showed lower scores than G2, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The G1 showed higher hopelessness levels than G2 and there was a significant association between hopelessness levels and problem-solving flexibility (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Suicide attempters show less problem-solving flexibility and higher hopelessness levels than those individuals having no suicide attempt history, as well as an association between hopelessness and deficient problem-solving flexibility.

Language: pt

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; Suicide attempt; suicide attempt; interview; Hopelessness; Wisconsin card sorting test; article; controlled study; clinical article; psychologic test; problem solving; Problem-solving; symbolism; beck hopelessness scale; linguistics; stroop test