External Locus of Control, Problem-Focused Coping and Attempted Suicide

摘要: It may be argued that suicidal behavior comprises three major manifestations: ideation, which is the process of thinking about committing suicide; suicide attempt, where an individual tries to commit but not successful; and completed suicide, successfully ending one's life. Although these processes can easily viewed as a linear sequence, it must noted they do occur in unbroken stream. Many people entertain thoughts, never reach point feel compelled act on nor will all unsuccessful attempters try again (and again) until are successful, suicides have history attempts (Kessler, Borges & Walters, 1999; Pirkis, Burgess Dunt, 2000). Because modes form automatic, inevitable chain events, could individuals who attempt or complete differ some respect from those move beyond thinking. Investigating differences between ideators accomplished unless there sufficient information available deceased permit psychological autopsies. However, studying feasible because members both groups for consultation. The present study compared context Lazarus' (1966) theory stress coping. More specifically, investigation assessed extent two terms their locus control orientation level problem-focused coping use when faced with stress. In life many unusual, unpleasant, threatening experiences put under If too severe if perceived such, lead damaging effects. Lazarus suggested perception threat influenced only by characteristics stimulus also perceiving individual. One personal factors individual's orientation. Individuals internal perceive outcomes lives resulting own behavior, whereas external attribute chance, fate, powerful others (Levenson, 1981). world differently than believe control. Externals more prone lack control, internals tend see situations controllable therefore less threat. When confronted face challenges: meeting requirements situation protecting self disorganization (Lazarus, 1993, competent handle stress, opt coping; doubt competencies, emotion-focused prevail. Those likely approach problem solved; merely worrying difficulties actively taking steps deal them, thereby reducing was speculated limited skills tip balance attempting suicide. Most occurs recent, often (Bonner Rich, 1988; de Man, 1988a,b; Balkou Iglesias, 1987; Leduc Labreche-Gauthier, 1993; Farmer Creed, 1989; Zimmerman, Pfohl, Stangle Coryell, 1985) generates feelings requires response. good generally something constructive, result appraise threatening. …