Suicidal imagery, history of suicidality, and acquired capability in young adults

Bibliographic Data

ID12936614
AuthorsTara C Holaday (Western Kentucky University, corresponding author), Amy M Brausch (0000-0002-7123-7633, Western Kentucky University)
EditorsRobert J Cramer (0000-0001-9105-5565)
Year2015
Volume7
Issue3
Pages127-138
Publication date2015-06-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1759-6599 • E-ISSN: 2042-8715
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/jacpr-10-2014-0146
OpenAlexW1538315943
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited37

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of suicide-related mental imagery in suicidal behavior. It was hypothesized that greater frequency and vividness of suicide-related imagery would be associated with more suicidal behaviors, and acquired capability for suicide was expected to mediate this relationship. Hypotheses were tested by surveying 237 undergraduate students (59 percent female; mean age=20) who completed self-report measures that assessed suicidal cognitions, acquired capability for suicide, and history of self-harm behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses were tested by surveying 237 undergraduate students (59 percent female; mean age=20) who completed self-report measures that assessed suicidal cognitions, acquired capability for suicide, and history of self-harm behaviors. Findings – Results suggested that frequency and vividness of suicide-related imagery were positively correlated with suicidality. Acquired capability was not related to study variables; thus additional mediational analysis was unwarranted. Originality/value – Few studies have examined suicidal imagery and how it relates to actual self-harm behavior. The current study provides an exploratory view of features of imagery related to suicidal thoughts; findings imply that understanding mental imagery may play an important role in clinical risk assessment and treatment for suicidality

Cognition · Exploratory research · Harm · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Mental image · Poison control · Psychiatry · Suicidal ideation · Suicide attempt · Suicide prevention · Clinical Psychology · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies · Traumatic Brain Injury Research

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