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Effective problem solving in suicide attempters depends on specific autobiographical recall
1Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales, Bangor, United Kingdom. leslie.pollock@powys_tr.wales.nhs.uk
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Suicide attempters exhibit over-general autobiographical memory and impaired interpersonal problem-solving skills. Improving specific memory recall may enhance problem-solving abilities in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Over-general autobiographical memory (OGM) is linked to various psychopathologies.
- Impaired interpersonal problem-solving (IPS) is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between OGM and IPS in individuals who have attempted suicide.
- To compare memory and problem-solving abilities across suicide attempters, nonsuicidal psychiatric controls, and normal controls.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design.
- Assessment of autobiographical memory recall (specificity vs. generality).
- Evaluation of interpersonal problem-solving skills.
Main Results:
- Suicide attempters demonstrated significantly more OGM compared to both control groups.
- Suicide attempters exhibited poorer IPS skills than nonsuicidal psychiatric and normal controls.
- A positive correlation was found between the degree of OGM and the severity of IPS deficits in suicide attempters.
Conclusions:
- OGM and impaired IPS are key cognitive characteristics associated with suicide attempts.
- Effective interpersonal problem-solving in suicide attempters may be contingent upon the ability to retrieve specific autobiographical memories.