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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

Published on: March 2, 2015

Explicit and Implicit Hopelessness and Self-injury.

Nicola Susan Gray^1,2, James Knowles¹, Danielle George¹

¹Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.

Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior

|February 26, 2021

Summary

Implicit and explicit hopelessness measures predict self-injury. Implicit hopelessness measurement enhances risk assessment for self-harm and suicidal behaviors beyond explicit measures alone.

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Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

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Published on: March 2, 2015

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Burn Injury-Induced Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice

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Published on: September 29, 2021

Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Mental Health Research

Background:

Hopelessness is a significant risk factor for self-injurious behavior.
Traditional assessments rely on explicit self-report measures of hopelessness.
The role of implicit measures in predicting self-injury requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between explicit and implicit measures of hopelessness and self-injurious behavior.
To determine if implicit hopelessness measures improve prediction of self-injury.
To explore the interaction between explicit and implicit hopelessness in predicting self-injury.

Main Methods:

A community sample of 267 participants completed explicit hopelessness scales (Beck's Hopelessness Scale, Feeling Thermometer).
An implicit measure of hopelessness (Hopelessness Implicit Association Test) was administered.
Participants self-reported their history of self-injurious behavior (actions, thoughts).

Main Results:

High levels of both explicit and implicit hopelessness were associated with past and recent self-injury.
An interaction effect was observed: explicit hopelessness was a stronger predictor for individuals with high implicit hopelessness.
Implicit hopelessness measurement provided predictive value beyond explicit measures alone.

Conclusions:

Implicit hopelessness assessment can enhance the prediction of past and recent self-injury.
Integrating implicit measures into risk assessments may improve identification of individuals at risk for self-harm and suicidal behaviors.
Future research should explore the clinical utility of implicit hopelessness measures in suicide prevention.