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Quality of life and loneliness are closely associated with mental and physical health outcomes. This relationship is particularly important in Veterans who experience elevated rates of disabilities, comorbidities, and chronic health conditions as compared with non-Veterans. In the present project, we use data from the Military Health and Well-Being Project (n= 1469, 67.2% men, 32.3% women, 0.5% transgender, nonbinary, prefer not to say) to investigate the link between five domains of quality of life (i.e., general quality of life, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) with loneliness in American Military Veterans. Findings indicated that every domain of quality of life was negatively and significantly associated with loneliness (r's < −0.45, p's < 0.001), such that quality of life decreased as loneliness increased. We further found, using linear regression, that quality social relationships (β = −0.385, t= −13.23), psychological functioning (β = −0.196, t= −5.28), and physical health (β = −0.133, t= −4.174) were related to low levels of loneliness. Taken together, these findings indicate that in this sample of Veterans 1) general quality of life, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment are all strongly connected with loneliness, and 2) of these, social relationships, psychological health, and physical health seem to protect most against loneliness, with large robust effect sizes. We recommend that intervention and policy researchers continue to investigate and develop feasible, acceptable, and cost-effective ways to promote social relationships, psychological health, and physical health among Veterans. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may limit generalizability of these findings.

Abstract.Background:Relatively little is known regarding the relationship between attitudes toward suicide, suicide attempt (SA) history, and future suicidal behaviors. Aims:Utilizing a sample of firefighters, this study compared attitudes toward suicide between individuals with/without a career SA history and evaluated whether certain attitudes toward suicide are associated with a greater self-reported likelihood of making a future SA. Method:US firefighters (N= 818) completed self-report measures. One-way ANOVAs and linear regression analyses were utilized to address study aims. Results:Firefighters with a career SA reported significantly greater normalization/glorification of suicide – yet lower attributions of suicide to isolation/depression – than those without this history. More stigmatizing attitudes toward suicide and greater normalization/glorification of suicide were each significantly associated with greater self-reported future SA likelihood. Limitations:Data were cross-sectional and findings may not be generalizable. Conclusion:Firefighters who have made an SA during their firefighting careers may normalize and glorify suicide more than those who have not. These attitudes may be associated with greater self-perceived risk for future SAs. Research is needed to replicate findings and evaluate strategies for targeting potentially harmful beliefs about suicide among SA survivors.

A previous study found that children with recent suicidal ideation had blunted neural reward processing (as measured by the reward positivity), compared with matched controls, and that this difference was driven by reduced neural responses to monetary loss rather than to reward. Here, we aimed to conceptually replicate and extend these findings in two samples (n= 264, 27 with suicidal ideation; n= 314, 49 with suicidal ideation at baseline) of children and adolescents (11–15 years old and 8–15 years old, respectively). Results from both samples showed no evidence that children and adolescents with suicidal ideation have abnormal reward or loss processing nor that reward processing predicts suicidal ideation 2 years later. The results highlight the need for greater statistical power as well as continued research examining the neural underpinnings of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This study examined suicide attempts (SAs), interrupted SAs, and aborted SAs and their cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with suicide-related correlates among high-risk active duty service members. Service members receiving suicide-related treatment completed measures at baseline (N= 1,044) and a 3-month follow-up (n= 758). Multivariate analysis of variance and regression models were used to evaluate differences between SA groups (SAs, interrupted and/or aborted SAs, no SAs) in baseline suicide-related correlates (suicidal thoughts, thwarted belongingness, anxiety sensitivity, insomnia symptoms, alcohol use, hopelessness, and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms) and severity of suicidal thoughts and presence of SAs at follow-up. Results revealed that service members with interrupted and/or aborted SAs (and no prior SAs) reported significantly more severe baseline PTSD hyperarousal symptoms and were more likely to report an SA at follow-up, compared with service members who had prior SAs. Study findings highlight the importance of considering interrupted and aborted SAs when evaluating suicide risk among high-risk service members.

We aimed to demonstrate the utility of an item-level network analysis approach to suicide risk by testing the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) among 402 psychiatric inpatients. We hypothesized that specific thwarted belongingness (TB) or perceived burdensomeness (PB; Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire items) facets would positively relate to passive or active suicide ideation and that these facets would positively relate to each other and form distinct clusters. We also tested TB and PB facets central to the networks as predictors of suicide ideation compared with the full TB and PB subscales. Face-valid items congruent with latent constructs proposed by the IPTS (i.e., feelings of burden on society, feeling that one does not belong) were the only two facets uniquely predictive of passive and active suicide ideation. Facets of TB and PB did not form distinct clusters. Item-level network analysis may have important conceptual, assessment, predictive, and clinical implications for understanding suicide risk.

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the development and approach of a Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) core created within the Military Suicide Research Consortium, a funding consortium of the Department of Defense, to promote the D&I of findings from funded research.ApproachThe approach of the D&I Core is described as it developed over the past four years and how it relates to the larger D&I scientific and military context.ResultsThe paper describes several initiatives of the MSRC D&I Core including the development of integrated clinical and implementation outcome summaries and action briefs to facilitate researchers communicating their intervention and its empirical support to stakeholders. The MSRC Dissemination Science Institute, developed to integrate military and dissemination science experts with suicide prevention researchers from military, veteran and civilian organizations is described.ConclusionsSeveral important considerations for D&I of new scientific findings by research funding organizations are discussed.

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the development, application, and benefits of a set of common data elements (CDE) utilized by the Military Suicide Research Consortium (MSRC). Approach:Civilian and military suicide research experts selected items from measures representing a broad range of suicide-specific constructs, and created new items for certain constructs. The resulting CDE were included in the protocols of all studies funded by MSRC. Principal investigators upload their CDE to a secure repository available for use by other researchers. Results:The CDE have been found to be valid, reliable, and of use for multiple applications beyond the design of the parent studies which generated them. Conclusions:The MSRC CDE expand the information available to inform suicide prevention and intervention among military personnel. They also improve the quality of the suicide data available in support of the DoD’s goal of addressing the huge public health problem of suicide among service members.

Purpose: Schachter’s externality theory posits a connection between the inability to eat according to internal cues and higher body mass index (BMI); however, related work has not investigated associations between body trust and the wide range of BMIs found in general samples. This study examined the association between body trust and BMI across levels of BMI to determine whether this relationship differed as a function of BMI level. Methods: Participants were 534 adults (55.4% female), mean age 36 years, BMIs 15.13–67.90 (M= 27.89, SD = 7.25), recruited via MTurk. They completed self-report assessments of body trust, height, and weight. Quantile regression was utilized to estimate effects of body trust on BMI at five equidistant quantiles of BMI. Results: Overall linear regression analyses indicated that body trust was significantly negatively associated with BMI. Quantile regression revealed a significant negative relationship at each quantile of BMI, and Wald tests indicated the association was significantly stronger at the 0.7 and 0.9 quantiles than at the 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 quantiles, which did not differ. Conclusions: Quantile regression identified a stronger relationship between body trust and BMI at 0.7 and 0.9 quantiles than at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 quantiles of BMI. Results align with the externality hypothesis, which suggests those at higher weights experience difficulty using internal cues to guide eating. A weaker-than-expected association between body trust and low BMI may be due to restricted range (few low-BMI participants). Replication in eating disorder samples is merited. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between various forms of sleep problems and loneliness. A total of 84 articles (110 samples, N= 227,112) were identified for inclusion. Random effects models revealed a significant medium association between overall sleep problems and loneliness (r= .336, 95% confidence interval = [.315, .357]) as well as specific sleep complaints (i.e., insomnia, nightmares, poor sleep efficiency, and poor sleep quality) and loneliness (rs = .165–.354). The longitudinal relationships between overall sleep problems and subsequent loneliness, and vice versa, were also significant (rs = .249–.297). Although no consistent moderation patterns emerged, several significant moderators were identified for specific associations. Results support a robust association between more severe sleep problems and greater perceptions of loneliness; both also appear reciprocally associated longitudinally. Findings point to research directions that may enhance understanding of the interplay between sleep problems and loneliness—constructs with transdiagnostic relevance.

ABSTRACTResearch is needed to examine factors that contribute to psychological well-being among military service members. This study examined associations between various indices of psychological well-being, resilience, and help-seeking stigma among New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel (N= 2,805). Participants completed self-report measures of psychological well-being, resilience, help-seeking stigma, and past-year help-seeking behaviors. Greater resilience and a lower degree of help-seeking stigma were each significantly associated with better psychological well-being (i.e., greater psychological flourishing, less psychological distress, and better overall mental health). Though effects were relatively small, engagement in help-seeking behaviors moderated the relationship between (1) greater resilience and less psychological distress and (2) greater resilience and better overall mental health, such that these relationships were stronger among those who had sought help for their mental health in the past year. Findings suggest that greater resilience and less mental health help-seeking stigma may independently contribute to better psychological well-being among NZDF personnel; thus, enhancing resilience and reducing help-seeking stigma may serve to promote psychological well-being in this population. Improving resilience among NZDF personnel who seek help, in particular, may contribute to better psychological well-being. However, longitudinal research among service members is needed to establish a temporal relationship between these constructs.

We have documented increases since 2012 in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide and identified associations between digital-media use and depressive symptoms and suicide-related outcomes across two data sets: Monitoring the Future (MtF) and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Ophir, Lipshits-Braziler, and Rosenberg’s criticisms of the MtF data (this issue; pp. 374–378) are addressed by the YRBSS data, which included a measure of digital-media use in hours. Ophir et al. assumed that the displacement of nonscreen activities by screen activities occurs only at the individual level, whereas in fact, time displacement at the group or cohort level may be more important. Some discrepancies in the literature can be traced to the use of percentage variance explained; in fact, heavy (vs. light) digital-media users are considerably more likely (often twice as likely) to be depressed or low in well-being across several large data sets.

Nonalcohol substance use is a robust correlate of suicide risk. However, few data exist regarding the degree to which nonalcohol substance use, as measured by objective indicators (e.g., urinalysis toxicology screen), is related to suicide risk. This study examined the associations of a multimodal assessment of nonalcohol substance use and multiple indicators of suicide risk. Overall, 168 acute care psychiatric inpatients participated and provided data spanning urinalysis toxicology screen and self-report instruments. Substance use per urinalysis toxicology screen and self-report was not related to current suicidal ideation severity. However, substance use per urinalysis toxicology screen was significantly associated with a suicide attempt history and suicidality as a primary reason for admission. Substance use is an important variable to consider in suicide risk conceptualization. Findings underscore the importance of leveraging, when possible, objective indicators of substance use (e.g., urinalysis toxicology screen) in suicide risk formulations.

Existing research suggests that inhibitory control deficits may differentiate individuals who think about suicide from those who make a suicide attempt. However, no available research, to our knowledge, has examined whether suicidal behaviors are associated with disruptions in the ability to determine when inhibitory control is needed or the ability to engage inhibition of an inappropriate or maladaptive behavior. The current study utilized event-related potentials to investigate specific facets of inhibitory control and their associations with suicide attempt history among a heterogeneous clinical sample who reported current suicidal ideation.

AbstractClinicians working in U.S. Department of Defense behavioral health settings rely on standardized suicide risk assessment measures to guide their treatment of service members. Most of the measures used were developed, normed, and validated for use with civilians. Although there is reason to believe such measures will perform similarly in civilian and military treatment settings, that assumption has rarely been confirmed empirically. The purpose of the current study was to examine data from a large assessment study to confirm the reliability and validity of 4 widely used suicide risk assessment measures for military personnel. The risk assessment measures were (a) Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale; (b) Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire; (c) Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire—Revised; and (d) Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Items from the Military Suicide Research Consortium’s Common Data Elements were used to examine convergent validity. Data from 1,044 military service members at risk for suicide who completed baseline assessments were used in the current analyses. Small differences were found across the measures, but overall performance was acceptable and all are considered valid and reliable to use when assessing active duty U.S. military personnel.

ABSTRACTThe present study evaluates the psychometric properties of 4 commonly used measures of suicidal ideation and behaviors (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation [BSS], Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS], Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire [SHBQ], and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire—Revised [SBQ–R]) among a sample of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. Measures were translated to Hebrew and completed by 65 active duty IDF soldiers who were recently hospitalized for at least 24 hours following a suicide attempt. Internal consistency and Pearson's rcorrelation analyses were conducted for all measures to test the reliability and validity of the measures. Findings support the reliability and validity of common suicide risk assessment measures among a sample of IDF soldiers. Instruments demonstrated acceptable-to-excellent internal consistency (αs = .72 to .93), save for the SBQ–R (α = .57). Further, all measures demonstrated associations as expected, suggesting convergent and divergent validity. The BSS, C-SSRS, and SHBQ can be reliably and validly used among IDF soldiers.

•Evolutionary processes have recently been implicated in suicidal behavior.•Suicidal human behaviors parallel eusocial behavior.•Hyperarousal-shutdown behaviors in suicidal humans parallel antipredator responses.•Neuroscience and psychology support the involvement of these processes in suicide.•These processes are not exclusive and represent new directions for suicide research.

This study examined whether atypical/severe nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; e.g., foreign body ingestion, cutting necessitating sutures) serves as a marker of severe psychopathology among 467 adult community mental health clients (n= 33 with an atypical/severe NSSI history). Information regarding psychiatric risk indicators was extracted from participants’ psychiatric records. Generalized linear models with negative binomial distribution and log link function, as well as chi-square tests, were used to address study aims. Clients with a lifetime atypical/severe NSSI history met criteria for a significantly greater number of psychiatric risk indicators than clients with a lifetime history of common NSSI only; however, these clients were not significantly more likely to report recent suicidal actions. Individuals with an atypical/severe NSSI history may demonstrate more severe psychopathology than those with a history of common NSSI only. Thus, it may be clinically useful to consider individuals with an atypical/severe NSSI history as a high-risk subgroup.

Separate research groups have independently argued the need for a suicide-specific diagnosis within the psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature. Although a suicide-specific diagnosis could possibly enhance clinical care and improve patient safety, some clinicians have expressed concerns regarding the legal risk of utilizing a suicide-specific diagnosis. In this column, the first of a 2-part series exploring the potential risks and benefits of a suicide-specific diagnosis, the authors draw from their decades of experience in clinical work, legal consulting, as well as the litigation of suicide and wrongful death lawsuits and contend that the bona fide use of a suicide-specific diagnosis would mitigate legal liability to clinicians.

In two nationally representative surveys of U.S. adolescents in grades 8 through 12 (N= 506,820) and national statistics on suicide deaths for those ages 13 to 18, adolescents’ depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates increased between 2010 and 2015, especially among females. Adolescents who spent more time on new media (including social media and electronic devices such as smartphones) were more likely to report mental health issues, and adolescents who spent more time on nonscreen activities (in-person social interaction, sports/exercise, homework, print media, and attending religious services) were less likely. Since 2010, iGen adolescents have spent more time on new media screen activities and less time on nonscreen activities, which may account for the increases in depression and suicide. In contrast, cyclical economic factors such as unemployment and the Dow Jones Index were not linked to depressive symptoms or suicide rates when matched by year.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between harassment, career suicidality, and psychiatric symptoms among women firefighters. Women firefighters (n= 290) completed self-report measures of experiences with harassment on the job, career suicidality, and various psychiatric symptoms. Logistic regression analyses and one-way analyses of variance were used to address study aims. Of the sample, 21.7% reported having experienced sexual harassment and 20.3% reported having been threatened or harassed in another way on their firefighting job. Sexual harassment and other threats/harassment on the job were both significantly associated with a greater likelihood of reporting career suicidal ideation, as well as reporting more severe psychiatric symptoms. Harassment and threats experienced on the job may be associated with increased suicide risk and more severe psychiatric symptoms among women firefighters. Efforts are needed to reduce the occurrence of harassment and threats within the fire service and provide support for women firefighters who have been harassed or threatened.

Research shows that people with mental health conditions experience dehumanization, and this is associated with states of emotional distress. Possible sources of meta-dehumanization include interpersonal interactions with members of society, professionals, and institutions, as well as negative portrayals in the news and media. Self-dehumanization may arise from the internalization of these meta-perceptions, interpersonal interactions, or the inherent nature of certain mental health conditions. This article reviews literature on meta- and self-dehumanization within clinical psychology, suggests directions for future research, and provides clinical implications for the field. We advocate for the consideration of self-dehumanization in existing therapies, the development of protocols designed for rehumanization, and the provision of more humanizing care by professionals and society.

Current psychological diagnostic classification systems do not fully capture the scope of suicidality, leading to recent advocacy for the inclusion of a suicide-specific diagnosable condition. We contend that a suicide-specific diagnosable condition should parsimoniously reflect acuity and characterize not only if, but also when, a person will engage in suicidal behavior. Two potential solutions to this diagnostic void have been proposed: (1) acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD) and (2) suicide crisis syndrome (SCS). This article provides an overview of the phenomenology and existing empirical evidence for ASAD and SCS, as well as a comparison between the two conditions. It also outlines a number of future research directions, including the need to examine both conditions prospectively in heterogeneous samples of people across the lifespan, as well as the necessity of comparing the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of these two syndromes directly within single studies. Current psychological diagnostic classification systems do not fully capture the scope of suicidality, leading to recent advocacy for the inclusion of a suicide-specific diagnosable condition. We contend that a suicide-specific diagnosable condition should parsimoniously reflect acuity and characterize not only if, but also when, a person will engage in suicidal behavior. Two potential solutions to this diagnostic void have been proposed: (1) acute suicidal affective disturbance (ASAD) and (2) suicide crisis syndrome (SCS). This article provides an overview of the phenomenology and existing empirical evidence for ASAD and SCS, as well as a comparison between the two conditions. It also outlines a number of future research directions, including the need to examine both conditions prospectively in heterogeneous samples of people across the lifespan, as well as the necessity of comparing the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of these two syndromes directly within single studies. [[Psychiatr Ann. 2017;47(8):416–420.]

Rumination has been implicated as a risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts, yet the literature to date has not been synthesized. We conducted a meta-analysis of the association between rumination and both suicidal ideation and attempts to consolidate the existing literature (k= 29). Results indicated that the relationships between global rumination (k= 13; Hedge's g= .74, p< .001, 95% CI [.45, 1.04]), brooding (k= 12; Hedge's g= .63, p< .001, 95% CI [.35, .90]), and reflection (k= 12; Hedge's g= .38, p= .002, 95% CI [.10, .65]) with suicidal ideation were significant. Associations between global rumination (k= 3; Hedge's g= .26, p< .001, 95% CI [.08, .44]) and brooding (k= 4; Hedge's g= .47, p= .004, 95% CI [.02, .91]) and suicide attempts were significant, but reflection (k= 4; Hedge's g= .09, p= .646, 95% CI [-.54, .72]) was unrelated. However, given the limited studies included in suicide attempt analyses—and the exclusive use of cross-sectional designs and heterogeneity with regard to samples and measures—these parameters should be taken with caution. Generally, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and year of publication were not moderators, and there was little evidence for publication bias across effects, with the exception of the effect of global rumination on suicidal ideation. Several future research directions are discussed.

ABSTRACTLittle research has focused on suicide-related symptoms in female servicemembers, despite high rates of suicidal behaviors. This study examined sex differences in suicide-related risk factors in 3,374 U.S. Army Recruiters (91.9% male). Female servicemembers had a greater number of past major depressive and suicidal ideation episodes than did male servicemembers; there were no differences in suicide attempt histories or mental health visits. Female servicemembers reported significantly fewer symptoms of current suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability. No significant sex differences emerged for thwarted belongingness, insomnia, or agitation. Our findings provide evidence for sex differences in rates of suicide-related symptoms among military personnel.

Abstract.Background:Research with human subjects represents a critical avenue for suicide prevention efforts; however, such research is not without its ethical and practical challenges. Specifically, given the nature of research with individuals at elevated risk for suicide (e.g., increased concerns regarding participant safety, adverse events, liability, difficulties often arise during the institutional review board (IRB) evaluation and approval process. Aims:This paper aims to discuss IRB-related issues associated with suicide prevention research, including researcher and IRB panel member responsibilities, suicide risk assessment and management ethics and procedures, informed consent considerations, preparation of study protocols, and education and training. Points to consider and components to potentially include in an IRB application for suicide-related research are additionally provided. Method:Literature relevant to ethics in suicide research and suicide risk assessment and management was reviewed and synthesized. Results:Suicide research can be conducted in accordance with ethical principles while also furthering the science of suicide prevention. Conclusion:Despite the challenging nature of suicide prevention research, empirically informed solutions exist to address difficulties that may emerge in interfacing with IRBs. There remain areas for improvement in the IRB approval process that warrant further investigation and work.

This is a study reporting on causes of death in a cohort of 35 patients with severe anorexia nervosa (AN), who were treated between 2012 and 2020. Three hundred and seventy patient names were submitted to the National Death Index (NDI). The NDI reviewed whether a death certificate matching each patient’s identifying information existed, and if it existed, specific causes of death were noted. The original group of 370 patients consisted of 229 individuals who had been treated voluntarily and 141 who had been treated involuntarily. Thirty-five of the 370 patients (9.4%) submitted to the NDI were confirmed deceased. Eighty-three percent were female with an average age of 38.5 years (SD:12.7) and average body mass index (BMI) of 12.8 kg/m2(SD:2.4). The total number of patients with AN listed as a cause of death was 24 (69%). Twenty-eight (80%) of the patients had a specific medical disease listed as a cause of death, with the most frequent being cardiovascular, metabolic, or gastrointestinal. Two patients died as a result of suicide. We concluded that AN is associated with a substantial risk of death from many medical causes. However, two (5.7%) of our sample died by suicide, a rate considerably lower than previously reported.

ABSTRACTFollowing deployment, soldiers are at increased risk for suicide and may struggle to cope with the aftermath of combat service. Therefore, connection to mental health services is vital. Research examining deployment history, mental health outcomes and service use has been equivocal, with some studies finding a link, others not. Few studies have examined these factors prospectively. This study examined the effects of military deployment on mental health and service utilization in a sample of 1,566 Army recruiters using a longitudinal design. Deployment history, mental health visits and outcomes, including suicide-related symptoms, were assessed at baseline and 18-months follow-up. Deployment history was positively associated with mental health visits, major depressive episodes, and acquired capability for suicide at baseline. No significant relationships between deployment and other mental health-related outcomes emerged at baseline or follow-up. Findings suggest attrition or disconnection from services over time. Clinical implications for military servicemembers are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between specific forms of childhood abuse and neglect with lifetime suicide attempts in women with bulimia nervosa (BN). Two hundred and four women aged 18–65 (mean 25.6 years, SD 9.13) with full or subclinical BN were recruited in five US Midwestern communities and specialized eating disorder clinics. Participants completed questionnaires including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and self-reported whether they had ever had a lifetime suicide attempt. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict lifetime suicide attempts from each subscale of the CTQ. Childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse were significantly associated with the presence of a lifetime suicide attempt in women with BN. Childhood emotional and physical neglect were not associated with suicide attempts. Individuals with BN who have experienced childhood emotional and sexual abuse are at increased risk of a lifetime suicide attempt. Future research is needed to understand the mechanism to address in treatment and prevention efforts. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential increased risk of suicide in individuals with BN with a history of childhood abuse.

Abstract.Background:Lowered eye blink rate may be a clinically useful indicator of acute, imminent, and severe suicide risk. Diminished eye blink rates are often seen among individuals engaged in heightened concentration on a specific task that requires careful planning and attention. Indeed, overcoming one’s biological instinct for survival through suicide necessitates premeditation and concentration; thus, a diminished eye blink rate may signal imminent suicidality. Aims:This article aims to spur research and clinical inquiry into the role of eye blinks as an indicator of acute suicide risk. Method:Literature relevant to the potential connection between eye blink rate and suicidality was reviewed and synthesized. Results:Anecdotal, cognitive, neurological, and conceptual support for the relationship between decreased blink rate and suicide risk is outlined. Conclusion:Given that eye blinks are a highly observable behavior, the potential clinical utility of using eye blink rate as a marker of suicide risk is immense. Research is warranted to explore the association between eye blink rate and acute suicide risk.