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Multivariate Associations Between R-PAS Variables and Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors in Help-Seeking Adolescents.
Marzia Di Girolamo1, Roberta Invernizzi2,3, Paola Galli2
1Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Certain Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) variables show weak but consistent associations with adolescent suicidality. Morbid content and complexity were key correlates, though overall predictive power was limited in this exploratory study.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychological Assessment
- Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Adolescent suicidality is complex and challenging to assess.
- Performance-based measures may offer insights beyond traditional methods.
- Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) variables were explored for their association with suicidality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine multivariate associations between R-PAS variables and suicidality in adolescents.
- To identify psychological correlates of suicidal ideation and behavior using R-PAS data.
Main Methods:
- A clinical sample of 153 help-seeking adolescents was studied.
- Elastic net penalized regression models were used to analyze R-PAS variables.
- Suicidality was assessed using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
Main Results:
- Morbid content (MOR) and Location, Space, and Object Qualities-Complexity (LSO-Cmplx) were consistent correlates of suicidality.
- Vigilance-avoidance (VFD) was associated with suicidal ideation severity.
- Model performance was modest (R² = 0.09), indicating limited explanatory power.
Conclusions:
- Specific R-PAS variables demonstrate weak but reproducible associations with adolescent suicidality.
- Findings are exploratory and require further research for clinical validation.
- The study highlights potential, yet limited, utility of R-PAS in understanding adolescent suicidality.
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