Self-reported likelihood of a future suicide attempt: The role of plans for suicide
APA Citation:
Bond, A. E., Houtsma, C., Bryan, C. J., & Anestis, M. D. (2024). Self-reported likelihood of a future suicide attempt: The role of plans for suicide. Archives of Suicide Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2024.2332249
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Methodology:
Longitudinal Study
Authors:
Bond, Allison E., Houtsma, Claire, Bryan, Craig J., Anestis, Michael D.
Abstract:
The present study seeks to add to the existing literature by determining if having a plan for suicide, is associated with an individual’s self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future. Data came from a sample of 97 United States Army personnel with past week ideation or lifetime attempt history. Assessments were collected at baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-months. Self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future was not associated with the presence of a plan for suicide overall or a plan with a specific method (i.e., firearm, cutting/scratching, and medication). Although a plan for suicide is commonly thought to indicate elevated risk our findings suggest that presence or absence of suicide plans is not associated with more self-reported likelihood of a future suicide attempt. The self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future was not associated with the presence of a plan for suicide among service members.Findings suggest that presence or absence of suicide plans is not associated with self-reported likelihood of suicidal behavior among service members.Clinicians and researchers working with a military population may benefit from a broader approach to risk assessment and safety planning that does not rely too heavily on an individual’s self-reported plans for suicide. The self-reported likelihood of attempting suicide in the future was not associated with the presence of a plan for suicide among service members. Findings suggest that presence or absence of suicide plans is not associated with self-reported likelihood of suicidal behavior among service members. Clinicians and researchers working with a military population may benefit from a broader approach to risk assessment and safety planning that does not rely too heavily on an individual’s self-reported plans for suicide.
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
suicide, self-report, elevated risk