Depressive sequelae of recent criminal victimization

✍ Scribed by Susan B. Sorenson; Jacqueline M. Golding

• Book ID: 102925721
• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 754 KB
• Volume: 3
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0894-9867
• DOI: 10.1002/jts.2490030303

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

In a community sample of 2700 adults, 14.6% reported that in the previous 6 months they themselves or someone important to them were the victim of a crime (mugged or personally assaulted; burglarized, robbed, or swindled; or sexually assaulted). Men and women reported roughly equal rates of victimization; Hispanics reported fewer victimizations than non‐Hispanic whites. History of criminal victimization during the previous 6 months and certain crime characteristics were used to predict concurrent depression (assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) and suicidality (self‐report of suicide ideation or attempt). Being a crime victim was associated with increased suicidality and depression. Increased risk of suicidality following criminal victimization occurred irrespective of race, gender, education, and current mental disorder. Those who were mugged, sexually assaulted, or experienced multiple victimization were at greatest risk for depression. Those who were mugged were at greatest risk of suicidality.