In previous research, adults who reported childhood sexual abuse have
been more suicidal than nonabused adults, but no research has examined
their cognitive deterrents to suicide. Strict definitions of sexual a
buse in these studies have excluded (a) unwanted sexual experiences wi
th peers, and (b) exploitive experiences not involving genital contact
(i.e., unwanted sexual invitations or suggestions, unwanted exposure
to others' genitals via exhibitionism, unwanted kissing or hugging in
a sexual way). The present study compared suicidal behavior and cognit
ive deterrents to suicide in 266 college students using both a strict
and a liberal definition of sexual abuse. Both women and men abused by
adult or peers were more suicidal as adult college students than were
women and men with no such history. Women reported similar degrees of
suicidality as men, but greater survival and coping beliefs and more
fear of suicide. Those whose sexual abuse involved touching were more
suicidal, and felt less able to cope, and less responsibility for thei
r families, than nonabused adults. Implications are that adults who ex
perienced childhood sexual abuse that involved touching are more suici
dal and have less cognitive deterrents to suicide than adults who have
not, regardless of whether they are men or women or whether they were
abused by adults or by peers.