Citation

Armitage CJ, Abdul Rahim W, Rowe R, O'Connor RC. Br. J. Psychiatry 2016; 208(5): 470-476.

Affiliation

Christopher J. Armitage, PhD, Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester; Wirda Abdul Rahim, PhD, Richard Rowe, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield; Rory C. O'Connor, PhD, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.114.162495

PMID

26743808

Abstract

BackgroundImplementation intentions link triggers for self-harm with coping skills and appear to create an automatic tendency to invoke coping responses when faced with a triggering situation.AimsTo test the effectiveness of implementation intentions in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviour in a high-risk group.

METHODTwo hundred and twenty-six patients who had self-harmed were randomised to: (a) forming implementation intentions with a 'volitional help sheet'; (b) self-generating implementation intentions without help; or (c) thinking about triggers and coping, but not forming implementation intentions. We measured self-reported suicidal ideation and behaviour, threats of suicide and likelihood of future suicide attempt at baseline and then again at the 3-month follow-up.

RESULTSAll suicide-related outcome measures were significantly lower at follow-up among patients forming implementation intentions compared with those in the control condition (ds>0.35). The volitional help sheet resulted in fewer suicide threats (d = 0.59) and lowered the likelihood of future suicide attempts (d = 0.29) compared with patients who self-generated implementation intentions.

CONCLUSIONSImplementation intention-based interventions, particularly when supported by a volitional help sheet, show promise in reducing future suicidal ideation and behaviour.

Language: en