Preliminary results from an examination of episodic planning in suicidal behavior.

BACKGROUND

Prior research has reported that a substantial portion of suicidal behavior occurs impulsively. These studies, however, have been unable to assess for episodic planning.

AIMS

To provide preliminary support for the plausibility and utility of assessing episodic, nonlinear planning in suicidal behavior.

METHOD

Fifty undergraduates with a prior history of suicidal behavior responded to a series of questions assessing level of attempt, method, and level of planning during their most recent self-reported suicide attempt.

RESULTS

Level of intent was positively associated with planning, and the modal individual whose most recent attempt involved clear intent to die endorsed planning for at least 1 year.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary data support the plausibility and potential utility of assessing episodic planning and indicate that suicide attempts involving a clear intent to die typically require extensive levels of planning and rarely (if ever) emerge without forethought.