Momentary Fluctuations in Impulsivity Predicts Suicidal Ideation Among Those With Problematic Alcohol Use

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Problematic alcohol use is a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Elevated impulsivity is common in individuals with alcohol misuse and suicidal ideation (SI), suggesting it as a potential underlying mechanism.
• Momentary fluctuations in impulsivity are pronounced in populations with heavy drinking patterns, college students, and those with SI, yet its link to immediate SI is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate cross-sectional associations between impulsivity and SI in individuals with problematic alcohol use.
• To investigate the momentary relationships between impulsivity and SI within this population.

Main Methods:

• Two independent undergraduate samples were used: a cross-sectional study (n=653) and an ecological momentary assessment study (n=56).
• All participants were screened for problematic alcohol or substance use.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between the impulsivity trait of negative urgency and SI.
• Negative affect interacted with "spur of the moment decisions" to predict concurrent SI.
• Negative affect also interacted with "saying things without thinking" to predict prospective SI.

Conclusions:

• Negative urgency, at both trait and state levels, is important for predicting SI.
• Specific facets of momentary impulsivity may uniquely predict SI, potentially in a context-dependent manner.
• Further research is needed to replicate these findings.