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 abuse in these studies have excluded (a) unwanted sexual
experiences with 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 cognitive deterrents to suicide in 266 college
students using both a strict and a liberal definition of sexual
abuse. Both women and men abused by adults 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 their families, than
nonabused adults. Implications are that adults who experienced
childhood sexual abuse that involved touching are more suicidal 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.