Predicting adolescent suicidal behavior and the order of Rorschach measurement

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychological Assessment

Background:

• Adolescent suicide is a significant public health concern.
• Accurate prediction of suicidal behavior in adolescents is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Rorschach Multiple Sign score as a predictor of suicidal behavior in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents.
• To determine if the sequence of suicidal behavior or assessment impacts Rorschach scores.

Main Methods:

• 48 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents were grouped based on suicidal behavior history (Previous Attempt Only, Unit Attempt Only, Dual Attempt, Nonsuicidal Control).
• A composite Rorschach Multiple Sign score was calculated for each participant.
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare scores across groups.

Main Results:

• The composite Rorschach Multiple Sign score significantly differentiated all suicidal behavior groups from the nonsuicidal control group (p < .001).
• A cutoff score of four signs was identified as a significant predictor of suicidal behavior.
• The sequence of assessment did not significantly influence the Rorschach scores.

Conclusions:

• The Rorschach Multiple Sign score is a valuable tool for predicting suicidal behavior in hospitalized adolescents.
• A cutoff score of four signs provides a reliable indicator for identifying at-risk individuals.
• Individual Rorschach signs did not significantly differ among the groups, highlighting the importance of the composite score.