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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Several studies report the incidence of traumatic experiences in community and clinical
samples, and substantial research demonstrates the impact of traumatic events on mental health and
suicidal behavior, but this area remains unexplored in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLC). Thus, this study aims to (1) describe traumatic experiences, mental health levels and
suicidal behavior among individuals from Portugal, Brazil and African Countries with Portuguese as
an Official Language (ACPOL); (2) assess correlations between traumatic experiences and mental
health and suicidal behavior; and (3) assess the impact of exposure to a traumatic event on mental
health and suicidal behavior. The measurement instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, Brief Trauma Questionnaire, Brief Symptoms Inventory-18, and the Portuguese version of the
Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised. ACPOL participants reported greater impact of war, Portuguese participants reported greater impact of disasters, and Brazilian participants reported greater
impact of psychological and sexual abuse, assault, and death of a family member. Brazilian participants showed the worst levels of mental health and suicidal thoughts. Strong correlations were found
between traumatic experiences and mental health levels and suicidal behavior. Traumatic experiences
contributed to the explanation of mental health levels and probability of committing suicide.
Description
Keywords
Life trauma Traumatic experiences Mental health Suicidal behavior Suicidal thoughts Suicide attempts Community of Portuguese Language Countries