“…In particular, there have been generally stable and consistent findings to support the view that neuroticism, hopelessness, and locus of control are related to suicidal behavior (Beck, Kovacs, & Weissman, 1975; Colson, 1972; Goldney, 1982; Lester, 1972; Minkoff, Bergman, Beck, & Beck, 1973; Pallis & Jenkins, 1977; Strickland, 1978; Wetzel, Margulies, Davies, & Karam, 1980). There has, however, been less consistency about the role of self‐esteem, impulsiveness, and extraversion (Diekstra, Kienhorst, & de Wilde, 1995; Kienhorst et al, 1992; Pallis & Jenkins, 1977; Patsiokas et al, 1979; Spirito, Brown, Overholser, & Fritz, 1989). The present study may clarify this issue by suggesting that the role of these factors in suicide attempt risk largely reflects their associations with neuroticism, hopelessness, and external locus of control rather than any independent contribution on their part to suicidal behavior.…”