Investigation of the association between worry, problem solving styles, and suicidal thoughts (without depression) in non clinical population

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adults in the world. Traditionally, studies on suicide have emphasized the relationships of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and some personality disorders with suicide. But the relationship between suicide and other forms of psychopathology, such as anxiety disorders, has received less empirical attention and, there are a few studies concerning the effects of anxiety without depression on suicidal behaviors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between worry, suicidal thoughts and problem solving styles in non clinical population. This research is a correlation study. Sixty six female students who were not depressed completed the Paykel’s instrument for measuring suicidal thoughts and attempts, Cassidy & Long problem solving style and Penn State Worry Questionnaires (PSWQ). Data were analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics. People with suicidal thoughts, people with suicidal plans and normal people showed significant differences in the extent of worry and problem solving styles (P<0.01). There was a significant correlation between worry and three subscales of problem solving styles. Covariance analysis revealed the extent of worry has affected some of problem solving styles. The results of this study not only supported the relationship between worry, problem solving styles and suicidal thoughts and plans but also demonstrated that worry is an effective factor in developing tendency towards using some problem solving styles.