Psychological Mechanisms Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour

Abstract

This thesis explored psychological mechanisms associated with suicidal ideation and behaviour. More specifically, Paper One is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between social problem-solving and suicidal ideation and behaviour in adults. Thirty-five studies were reviewed, and small–medium sized relationships were found between social problem-solving and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Facets of social problem-solving demonstrated differential relationships with suicidal ideation and behaviour, with negative problem-orientation (i.e. viewing problems as threatening and difficult) demonstrating the strongest relationship with both variables. These findings highlight social problem-solving as a suicide risk factor and have important clinical implications for risk assessment and therapy delivery. Paper Two is an empirical study that investigated how session time spent delivering Cognitive Behavioural Suicide Prevention for psychosis (CBSPp) related to suicidal ideation. Data for this study was taken from the therapy arm of larger trial and included one hundred and thirty-seven individuals with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis. For the most part, session time spent on mechanisms proposed to be suicide risk factors (i.e. negative self- appraisals of social support, emotion regulation, problem-solving, defeat, entrapment, & hopelessness) was not associated with subsequent suicidal ideation. These findings highlight some possible improvements for future iterations of CBSPp. Paper Three provides a critical reflection of the systematic review and empirical study. This paper includes discussion around the clinical, theoretical, and research implications of the two papers, alongside discussion around methodological choices and the authors personal reflections of the research process.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Gillian Haddock (Supervisor) & Daniel Pratt (Supervisor)