Preliminary Results From an Examination of Episodic Planning In Suicidal Behavior

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

School

Psychology

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.

Publication Title

Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

Volume

35

Issue

3

First Page

186

Last Page

192

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