FACTORS THAT MEDIATE AND MODERATE THE LINK BETWEEN PARTNER ABUSE AND SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

Findings from a study comparing partner abuse in African American wome n suicide attempters (n = 148) and nonattempters (n = 137) revealed hi gher rates crf physical and nonphysical partner abuse among attempters than their demographically similar nonsuicidal counterparts. The part ner abuse-suicidal behavior link was mediated by psychological distres s, hopelessness, and drug use and moderated by social support. Results also revealed that nonphysical partner abuse accounted for unique var iance in the prediction of suicide attempt status beyond that attribut able to childhood maltreatment. Implications of the findings for asses sing both suicidal and abused women are discussed, and recommendations for preventive interventions for women at risk for suicidal behavior are provided.