Citation

Anestis MD, Pennings SM, Williams TJ. Crisis 2014; 35(3): 186-192.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000250

PMID

24901059

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prior research has reported that a substantial portion of suicidal behavior occurs impulsively. These studies, however, have been unable to assess for episodic planning. Aims: To provide preliminary support for the plausibility and utility of assessing episodic, nonlinear planning in suicidal behavior.

METHOD: Fifty undergraduates with a prior history of suicidal behavior responded to a series of questions assessing level of attempt, method, and level of planning during their most recent self-reported suicide attempt.

RESULTS: Level of intent was positively associated with planning, and the modal individual whose most recent attempt involved clear intent to die endorsed planning for at least 1 year.

CONCLUSION: These preliminary data support the plausibility and potential utility of assessing episodic planning and indicate that suicide attempts involving a clear intent to die typically require extensive levels of planning and rarely (if ever) emerge without forethought.

Language: en