Results indicated that both a prior history of suicidal behavior and cognitions permissive of suicide interacted with depression and hopelessness in a multiple regression equation with the outcome of suicidal ideation. The study examined a series of interactions between a prior history of suicidal behavior and cognitions permissive of suicide, and the variables of depression and hopelessness in the relationship with suicidal ideation in two samples of incarcerated offenders. A second study confirmed and extended the initial findings. Taken together, the interactions in these studies accounted for 19 percent of additional variance in the relationship with suicidal ideation. The results indicate that certain suicide-related variables are multiplicative in their relationship. The discussion presented considered the variables within an empirically derived multidimensional framework. The findings support a recommendation that clinicians working with offenders should be assisted with their conceptualization of risk for suicide, and approximations of likelihood provided could also lend guidance in setting criteria for a more intensive investigation of a clients potential for suicide. The first study consisted of a group of 422 male offenders at a medium security prison in Canada, serving sentences in excess of 2 years, and represented an ethnically diverse population. The second group consisted of 138 male offenders at a medium security prison in Canada, serving sentences in excess of 2 years, with a similar ethnic composition. Tables, note, references