Negative life stress, social problem-solving self-appraisal, and hopelessness: Implications for suicide research

The role of problem-solving self-appraisal and negative life stress in hopelessness among college students was examined. Subjects (n =186) completed the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Life Experiences Survey, the Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Hopelessness Scale. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that problem-solving self-appraisal and its interaction with negative life stress are independent predictors of hopelessness beyond depressed mood. Results are discussed in terms of the implications for future research and treatment of hopelessness and suicidal behavior.