Moral objections to suicide: Can they counteract suicidality in patients with cluster B psychopathology?

Abstract

Objective: Patients with cluster B personality disorder (CBPD) are particularly prone to suicidal behavior, yet possible protective mechanisms are not often studied. The present study investigated a possible protective role of moral objections to suicide (MOS) against suicidal behavior in patients with CBPD and current depression. The effect of MOS was then examined in relation to other mechanisms affecting suicide risk including trait aggressivity and the presence of effective coping strategies. Method: 147 depressed patients with comorbid CBPD (DSM-III-R) were compared with 210 depressed patients without CBPD in terms of their history of suicide attempts and clinical and demographic charac..