Depressive Traits and Suicide Risk in Young Adults: A Brief Report

Abstract

The present study examines the predictive role of depressive traits in suicide risk. Using a longitudinal design, 64 undergraduate students completed measures of depressive symptoms and depressive traits at the baseline, and measures of depressive symptoms and suicide risk two months later. Results indicated that, controlling for the depressive symptoms measured at Time–1, depressive traits at Time–1 predicted suicide risk at Time–2. In addition, depressive symptoms measured at Time 2 tend to mediate the effect of Time–1 depressive traits on Time–2 suicide risk. Implications for clinical assessment and intervention are discussed.