Semantic differential ratings of concepts and suicide intent.

Ninety-four Ss (28 attempters, 32 threateners and 34 psychiatric controls) rated 10 concepts twice 1 month apart. Extreme rating scores and factor (attitude) scores were derived from the ratings. Suicidal Ss made no more use of extreme ratings than did control Ss. Highly suicidal Ss did not differ from less suicidal Ss in extremeness of ratings. Suicidal Ss did report less favorable attitudes to the concepts life and myself and more favorable attitudes toward suicide. Highly suicidal Ss could be differentiated from less suicidal Ss on these concepts. Contrary to the theory of Neuringer and Lettieri, it was suggested that suicidal Ss do not show a general difference in cognitive style from other psychiatric patients. Concept rated and direction of rating are crucial. Significant changes in ratings occurred over time in conjunction with hopelessness, depression and self-rated suicide intent. It was suggested that these changes indicate that the ratings are a function of a state, rather than a stable trait.