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Mental health

PTSD Symptoms Linked to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: New Research

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Individuals who experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Researchers from the University of Toledo explored the relationship between PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and found that emotion regulation self-efficacy (ERSE) plays a significant role in this association. The study highlights the need for additional research to clarify the relationship between PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly for individuals with low or moderate self-efficacy for managing negative emotions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant interaction between PTSD symptoms and ERSE in relation to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • Simple slopes analyses revealed a significant positive association between PTSD symptom severity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with low or moderate self-efficacy for managing negative emotions.
  • The study controlled for depression and found that ERSE moderated the association between PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • The research suggests that ERSE is an important construct in understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms.
  • The study's findings have implications for developing targeted interventions to prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with PTSD.
  • Matthew T. Tull, Kayla E. Hall, and Kim L. Gratz are among the researchers who contributed to this study.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, which can be contacted at: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 227 participants (M = 39.91, 65.2% assigned female sex at birth).
  • The study found a significant interaction between PTSD symptoms and ERSE (p < 0.05).
  • The study controlled for depression, which did not moderate the association between PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • The researchers found that ERSE was a significant predictor of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with PTSD symptoms.

Sources:

  • Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2025
  • Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA. (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Journal of Clinical Psychology - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1097-4679)
  • Matthew T. Tull, Dept. of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
  • Kayla E. Hall, Kim L. Gratz (co-authors)

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