Conceptual Model of and Intervention Development for Unplanned Suicide Attempts

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Over half of suicide deaths lack prior communication.
• Understanding "unplanned" suicide attempts is crucial for prevention.
• Existing research often overlooks individuals without prior suicidal ideation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the emotional state and decision-making of "unplanned" suicide attempt survivors.
• To inform the development of a conceptual model for "unplanned" suicide attempts.
• To guide the creation of targeted suicide prevention interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using semistructured interviews with 26 nonfatal suicide attempt survivors.
• Participants reported no suicidal thoughts within 60 days prior to their attempt.
• Grounded theory analysis informed by biopsychosocial theory of emotion regulation.

Main Results:

• Survivors described two phases: increasing stressors with mild suicidal thoughts, followed by an overwhelming emotional state leading to a sudden attempt.
• Nondisclosure was linked to the rapid and intense nature of the "hot" period preceding the attempt.
• Findings informed a conceptual model and intervention strategies for "unplanned" attempts.

Conclusions:

• An intervention targeting the high-intensity "hot" period before an attempt was developed.
• This intervention focuses on managing intense emotional states and overwhelming urges.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness for individuals at risk of "unplanned" suicide attempts.