Suicidal behavior among alcohol dependents: Relationship with anger and personality dimensions

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependents have high percentage of nonfatal suicidal behaviors. There is no substantial data on anger and personality correlates of suicidal behaviors among alcohol users. The present work explored the relationship of anger and personality with suicidal behaviors among alcohol-dependent individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sociodemographic data sheet, State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and Neo Five-Factor Inventory (NFFI) were administered on 30 subjects who had lifetime history of suicidal attempt. RESULTS: A total of 80% attempted suicide in the intoxicated states, 56.7% were high on trait anger, and 60% were high on anger expression outward. A significant negative correlation was found between expressing feelings (verbally/physically) openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. A significant positive correlation was found between anger expression inward and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS: It helped in understanding the psychological variables associated with suicidal behavior among alcohol-dependent individuals and has implications for addressing neuroticism openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness for bringing change in anger expression.