Hopelessness, Depression and Suicidal Intent in Parasuicide

Previous work on the inter-relationships among depression, hopelessness and suicidal intent in parasuicide is reviewed. Our own study of 120 hospital-referred parasuicides confirms previous findings that, while both depression and hopelessness correlate with the degree of suicidal intent as measured on a Suicide Intent Scale, the relationship between depression and suicidal intent is dependent on that between hopelessness and suicidal intent. Some practical and theoretical implications are discussed.