The protective effects of grit on suicidal ideation in individuals with trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Issue 9 (29th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marie, Laura; Taylor, Sarah E.; Basu, Natasha; Fadoir, Nicholas A.; Schuler, Kaitlyn; McKelvey, Daniel; Smith, Phillip N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 75:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1701
• Page End: 1714
• Publication Date: 2019-05-29
• Subjects: personality -- primary prevention -- suicide -- traumatic exposure; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22803
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: It is important to understand factors that moderate the likelihood of developing suicidal thoughts following traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Method: In this cross‐sectional study, a moderated atemporal mediation analysis was conducted in a sample of 709 college students (71% female, M age = 19.90 years, 67% Caucasian) to test the associations between trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicidal ideation, with grit entered as a moderator of all paths in the equation. Results: PTSD symptoms mediated the association between trauma and suicidal ideation. Grit moderated the direct pathway from PTSD symptoms to suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Grit and other constructs of resiliency may inform strength‐focused interventions to remediate the impact of trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms and potentially reduce suicidal thoughts and risk for suicide.