PTSD, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation in African American Women: A Mediated Model

• Authors: Erika R. Carr, Emory University; Amanda M. Woods, Emory University; Arshya Vahabzadeh, Emory University; Carla Sutton, Emory University; Justine Wittenauer, Emory University; Nadine Kaslow, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
• Volume: Volume 20, Number 1
• Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany) | 2013-03
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-012-9316-1
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Mental Health
• Keywords: African American; PTSD; Depression; Suicidal ideation and attempts

Abstract

Although research has shown positive associations among post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation, the nature of these relations is unclear, especially in African American women. This study examined the associations among these comorbid psychological difficulties in a sample of 136 low-income, African American women. Specifically, the goal of this investigation was to ascertain if overall depressive symptoms, as well as both the cognitive-affective and somatic components of depression, mediated the PTSD-suicidal ideation link. Results from bootstrapping analyses revealed that overall depressive symptoms and the cognitive-affective components of depression, but not the somatic components, mediated the PTSD-suicidal ideation link.