Predictors of suicidal ideation in treatment-seeking survivors of torture.

Abstract

In this study, we examined sociodemographic, persecutor identity, torture, and postmigration variables associated with suicidal ideation in a clinical sample of 267 immigrant survivors of torture who have resettled in New York City. The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation in survivors of torture before they receive legal, psychological, or medical services for torture-related needs. Results from a binary logistic regression model identified a combination of 3 variables associated with current suicidal ideation at intake into the program. Being female, having not submitted an application for asylum, and a history of rape or sexual assault were significantly associated with suicidal ideation at intake, when also controlling for several other important variables. The final model explained 21.4% of variation in reported suicidal ideation at intake. The discussion will focus on the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of suicidal ideation in refugees and survivors of torture.

An Interaction Model of Environmental and Psychological Factors Influencing Refugee Mental Health

“…Therefore, by definition, individuals with a refugee background are exposed to the threat of persecution. Further, these experiences often occur in the context of broader conflict within the home country, with refugees and asylum‐seekers often exposed to a wide variety of PTEs before being displaced, including targeted violence, such as physical assault, sexual abuse, torture, and witnessing the murder of loved ones or strangers; generalized violence, such as exposure to war; deprivation of basic needs, such as lack of food and water, lack of access to medical care, lack of shelter; and exposure to war experiences, such as combat situations and bombings (Lerner et al., 2016; Schweitzer et al., 2011; Steel et al., 2009). Further, exposure to PTEs often continues after an individual leaves their home country, as they are displaced to refugee camps in neighboring countries or have to endure perilous journeys to potential countries of asylum.…”

The health impact of (sexual) torture amongst Afghan, Iranian and Kurdish refugees: A literature review

“…In contrast, a recent retrospective study undertaken in the U.S. examined the correlation between demographics and type of torture in 235 individuals, and it found that PTSD, anxiety and depression were significantly correlated with rape (Hooberman et al, 2007). Similarly, an association between suicidal ideation and being female or having a history of sexual torture has been illustrated (FFT, 2013;Lerner et al, 2016).…”

Evaluación forense de las consecuencias psicológicas de la tortura

“…Conductas de agresión autodirigida. Conductas autodestructivas, autoagresión, comportamientos parasuicidas, ideación suicida presente hasta en el 68 % de los torturados [7], gestos e intentos de suicidio; la ideación suicida y las conductas suicidas son más frecuentes en mujeres con historia de abuso sexual [18], [32].…”

“…Estos síntomas iniciales pueden acompañar a la víctima durante mucho tiempo y generalmente no remiten de manera espontánea [7]. La culpa por sí sola es una variable negativa en la recuperación psicológica y debe ser objeto de búsqueda e identificación activa en el relato del evaluado [18].…”