NCJ Number
215368
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1-21
Date Published
2006
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study explored the perspectives of 24 women regarding their suicidal behavior.
Abstract
Results indicated that sexual abuse was a common component in the participant’s suicidal behavior and was overall the most important factor identified by the participants as a whole. Of the participants who had not been sexually abused (N=eight), two discussed their first experience of sexual intercourse as a contributing factor to their suicidal behavior. Many of the participants with sexual abuse histories also identified exacerbating factors, most commonly related to the disclosure of abuse. Additionally, issues of power and control in relationships with counselors and therapists emerged as significant to the development of depression and suicidal behavior. Overall, the findings suggest that females who engage in suicidal behavior are likely to have histories of sexual abuse. Moreover, their subsequent relationships with therapists have the potential to significantly impact their level of depression and recovery. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were completed with 24 women who were recruited from a variety of backgrounds. The face-to-face interviews followed a narrative format in which participants were encouraged to tell their story, beginning with the background to becoming suicidal. Data were analyzed for emerging themes using the QSR Nud*ist qualitative data analysis software package. Table, notes, references