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Purpose: Emerging evidence indicates that incarcerated populations' perceptions of dehumanization by officers are prevalent, yet measures of it are few, and to our knowledge, no self‐report measure of dehumanization from officers exists. To fill this gap, we have developed the Perceived Dehumanization from Officers Scale (PDOS), which is designed as a brief measure to assess perception of officer treatment as dehumanizing. Methods: In this article, we provide preliminary evidence from two studies examining the reliability and validity of the PDOS. In study 1, a jail sample (n = 411), we analyzed the exploratory factor structure, internal consistency, and discriminant validity (in relation to procedural justice [PJ]) of the PDOS. Additionally, using a cross‐sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, we related independent variables with the PDOS, the dependent variable. In Study 2, a prison sample (n = 2993), we confirmed the findings from study 1. Results: The PDOS appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of perceived dehumanization from officers with strong association between perceptions of PJ and perceived dehumanization from officers. Conclusions: The PDOS provides opportunity for future research, intervention through rehumanization efforts, and signals the important officer treatment. Importantly We close by discussing implications of these studies, limitations, and future research directions to further develop and test the PDOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal was to investigate the factor structure of a risk assessment tool utilized by suicide hotlines and to determine the predictive validity of the obtained factors in predicting subsequent suicidal behavior. We conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), an EFA in a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA) framework, anda CFA on independent subsamples derived from a total sample of 1,085. Similar to previous studies, we found consistent evidence for a two-factor solution, with one factor representing a more pernicious form of suicide risk (i.e., Resolved Plans and Preparations; RPP) and one factor representing milder suicidal ideation (i.e., Suicidal Desire and Ideation; SDI). The RPP factor trended toward being more predictive of suicidal ideation at follow-up than the SDI factor. DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20717

We present data from two studies that aimed to investigate stigma against suicide. In Study 1, we employed Milgram et al.'s (1965) 'lost letter' technique. We predicted that fewer letters addressed to a fictitious organization with the word 'suicide' in its name would be returned than letters addressed to fictitious heart disease or diabetes organizations, presumably due to stigma. Contrary to expectation, there were no differences in the percentage of letters returned for each condition, despite power to detect small effects. In Study 2 we compared scores on the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ; Domino, Gibson, Poling, & Westlake, 1980) from a study published in 1988 (Domino, MacGregor, & Hannah, 1988) to scores from a study conducted 19 years later. Results demonstrated reduced stigma toward suicide, with the belief that suicide is morally bad exhibiting the largest change. [c] 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66:611-626, 2010. Keywords: suicidal behavior; prevention DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20691

The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior (Joiner, 2005) holds that ah individual will die by suicide if he or she has both the desire for suicide and capability to act on that desire. According to the theory, suicidal desire results from the convergence of two interpersonal states: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. However, desire alone is not sufficient to result in death by suicide--a third component must be present: the acquired capability for suicide, which develops from repeated exposure and habituation to painful and provocative events. The purpose of this article is to discuss four viable and timely directions for future research, given the current status of the theory. Keywords: interpersonal-psychological theory; suicide; suicidal capability; belongingness; burdensomeness DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20621

The current study examined the influence of a number of psychological factors on the effectiveness of an early intervention program targeting anxiety and depression in a non-clinical sample of college students. The early intervention program comprised elements of the cognitive-behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (McCullough, 2000) delivered in a 2-hour computer-based educational program. Participants completed measures of depression, anxiety, and general distress prior to the intervention program and then again 8 weeks later. Additionally, participants were assessed for past major depression, sleep related difficulties, a number of anxiety disorders, and suicide ideation. Moderation of the effectiveness of the early intervention program by these factors depended on the dependent variable of interest, specifically: the effectiveness of the intervention program on symptoms of depression was moderated by insomnia; symptoms of anxiety by past post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and specific phobia as well as sleep problems related to nightmares; and symptoms of general negative affect by social phobia and suicide ideation. Implications are discussed. Keywords: early intervention; anxiety; depression; moderators

Past conceptual and empirical works have identified unique differences between multiple suicide attempters, single attempters, and zero attempters, but have overlooked two distinct subgroups of single attempters: true single attempters who will not attempt suicide again, and future multiple attempters who will. Consistent with fluid vulnerability theory, the authors hypothesized that subgroups should have differences in personality traits that can predict if a first-time attempter is likely to attempt suicide again. In a sample of 127 military members (81% male, 19% female) participating in a clinical intervention study for suicidal behaviors, hypomanic symptoms--not personality traits--predicted future multiple attempters, and future multiple attempters more frequently met criteria for a bipolar-spectrum disorder. Clinical implications and convergence of findings with fluid vulnerability theory and existing research are discussed. Keywords: suicide; multiple attempter; hypomanic symptoms; bipolar disorder

The authors discuss the active engagement of suicidally depressed individuals in several interpersonal processes that elicit the rejection of others and withdrawal of interpersonal support. In addition, such processes may increase future risk for suicidal behavior. These processes include ways in which suicidal individuals group themselves (e.g., assortative relationship formation) and relate to others (e.g., help negation, negative feedback seeking, excessive reassurance seeking). Implications of these behaviors for the therapeutic setting are discussed, as well as potential ways to respond to and treat them. Keywords: suicide; depression; treatment

This article reviews the literature on the use of 'no-suicide contracts' in clinical practice, including conceptual discussions, patient and clinician surveys, and a few empirical studies on clinical utility. Our primary conclusion is that no-suicide contracts suffer from a broad range of conceptual, practical, and empirical problems. Most significantly, they have no empirical support for their effectiveness in the clinical environment. The authors provide and illustrate the commitment to treatment statement as a practice alternative to the no-suicide contract. Keywords: suicide; no-suicide contracts crisis response plan; crisis management

This article reviews the interpersonal-psychological theory of attempted and completed suicide and describes its applications in suicide risk assessment, crisis intervention, and skills-based psychotherapies. Three components are necessary, but not sufficient, for an individual to die by suicide: (1) the acquired capability to enact lethal self-injury, (2) a sense that one is a burden on others, and (3) the sense that one does not belong to a valued social group. We suggest that therapeutic interventions should focus on ascertaining the presence of these components and work to amend the cognitive distortions, negative interpersonal response styles, and ineffective coping behaviors that serve to maintain suicidal urges. Keywords: suicide; multiple attempters; risk assessment; treatment

Objectives: There is a dearth of research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among eating disorder patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED) or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). This pilot study evaluated presence and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors by eating disorder diagnosis in a transdiagnostic clinical eating disorder sample. Methods: Participants were individuals (N = 257; 91.1% female; 94.6% Caucasian) currently receiving eating disorder treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), BED, or OSFED. Participants completed online measures of variables. Results: Lifetime and current presence and severity of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were statistically similar among diagnostic groups. Conclusion: Though largely overlooked, treatment‐utilizing individuals with BED and OSFED may experience elevated rates and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, like those with AN and BN. Attention to suicide‐related risk assessment and management is needed when treating individuals with eating disorders, regardless of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ‐15) is a self‐report measure of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, two constructs associated with suicidal ideation. The objective of the current study was to translate the INQ‐15 from English to Italian (INQ‐15‐I) and to test its factor structure, reliability, and validity in Italian samples. Method: We examined (a) whether the components of the hypothesized two‐factor measurement model are invariant across a community sample (N = 510) and a clinical sample (N = 259); (b) the relations between the INQ‐15‐I factors and measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), hopelessness (Beck Hopelessness Scale), and suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation); (c) the reliability and psychometric properties of the INQ‐15‐I. Results: Results from multigroup confirmatory factor analyses supported the adequacy of the two‐factor model to represent thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. The model is invariant across community and clinical groups, showing excellent fit. The two INQ‐15‐I scales measure highly intercorrelated constructs. Both significantly correlate with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation, and correlations are high in the clinical sample. Conclusion: The INQ‐15‐I is a valid and reliable measure of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. Implications for research, assessment, and intervention in suicidal ideation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Exercise dependence has been linked to capability for suicide and suicidal behavior; however, less understood are which facets of exercise dependence confer risk for suicidal behavior and the potential mechanisms of this association. This study examined relationships between exercise dependence, capability for suicide, and past suicidal behavior. Methods: A sample of 540 individuals recruited via MTurk completed online measures of their exercise dependence, capability for suicide, and history of suicidal behavior. Results: Suicide attempters reported higher levels of continuance in exercise despite physical or psychological consequences, lack of control over exercise, and reductions in other activities due to exercise than nonattempters. Capability for suicide accounted for the relationship between continuance in exercise despite adverse consequences and lifetime number of suicide attempts. Conclusions: When exercise becomes pathological in the form of exercise dependence, steps should be taken to reduce such engagement due to its observed association with suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of suicide risk assessments completed using the Decision Tree framework both in and between psychotherapy sessions, clinical features of patients for whom between‐session assessments are indicated, and data collected across assessments. Method: Data were collected from 1,358 suicide risk assessments conducted with psychiatric outpatients (N = 41) at elevated suicide risk engaged in care at a psychology training clinic. Results: Participants completed an average of 4.75 (standard deviation = 4.95) suicide risk assessments (2.81 ± 4.43 between‐session assessments) per each month in treatment. Assessment frequency and patient ratings of suicidal desire and intent were each significantly associated with therapist risk level categorizations. Conclusion: The Decision Tree framework's in‐ and between‐session assessments have the potential to be implemented in a routinized format among psychiatric outpatients at elevated suicide risk. Additional research is needed to establish the feasibility and clinical utility of this framework across samples and providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Numerous risk factors have been identified for suicidal ideation, including perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, agitation, insomnia, nightmares, cognitive anxiety sensitivity, and rumination. However, the complexity of these associations has not been well studied; the magnitude of these effects may vary at differing levels of suicidal ideation. The present study reexamined established risk factors for suicidal ideation using quantile regression, a statistical technique that calculates the effect at numerous quantiles of suicidal ideation, as opposed to the average effect across all quantiles. Method: A sample of 354 psychiatric outpatients (61.3% female, meanage = 27.01 years, standard deviation = 10.40) completed self‐report measures of their suicidal ideation and related risk factors prior to their initial intake appointments. Results: The relationship between each suicide risk factor and suicidal ideation was strongest at higher (.9 quantile), as opposed to nonexistent (.5 quantile) and low‐moderate (.7 quantile), levels of suicidal ideation. The interaction proposed by the interpersonal theory of suicide was significant at nonexistent and low‐moderate, but not high, levels of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that predictors of suicidal ideation differed in magnitude at varying levels of suicidal ideation. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although the interpersonal theory of suicide may explain the elevated suicide risk among military service members, past explorations have been equivocal. This study aimed to investigate the propositions of the interpersonal theory in a sample of U.S. Army recruiters. Method Participants ( N = 3,428) completed self-report measures assessing the interpersonal theory's constructs (i.e., thwarted belongingness (TB), perceived burdensomeness (PB), acquired capability for suicide), current suicidal ideation, agitation, and insomnia. History of depression was obtained from medical records. Results Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the interaction between TB and PB was associated with current suicidal ideation, controlling for depression, agitation, and insomnia. This effect was especially notable among those with high capability for suicide. Conclusion Findings provide support for the interpersonal theory in a large, diverse military sample. It may be advantageous to assess and therapeutically address TB and PB among at-risk service members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify demographic, diagnostic, and personality factors that predict treatment dropout in a sample of outpatients with clinically significant suicidal ideation. Method A total of 287 adult outpatients at elevated risk for suicide completed self-report measures of demographics, suicidal and depression symptoms, and personality characteristics at treatment intake. Clinician-assessed psychiatric diagnoses and ratings of overall functioning also were collected. Results Lower overall functioning (odds ratio [OR] = .947; 95% confidence interval [CI] [.909, .987]) and the presence of a substance use disorder (OR = 4.543; 95% CI [1.058, 19.499]) were the most robust predictors of attrition. Dropouts also were more likely to have a depressive disorder, more comorbid diagnoses, and more severe depression and suicidal symptoms. Conclusions Findings suggest that clinician-assessed poorer overall functioning and a substance use disorder diagnosis are risk factors for attrition among suicidal individuals, above and beyond other symptom measures. Further research is warranted to investigate attrition in additional outpatient samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Financial incentives may have utility in promoting psychotherapy attendance and adherence, leading to improved clinical functioning. This study presents results from a novel application of financial incentives--a progressively lowered pay scale that rewards therapy attendance and adherence. Method: Overall, 110 outpatients participated; 56 patients (51%) were enrolled in the financial incentives condition and received a 5% fee discount--applied iteratively across sessions--if they followed defined criteria (e.g., completed homework). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of the number of sessions attended, therapy duration, and number of no-shows and cancellations. However, adjusting for Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at intake, patients receiving the financial incentives had significantly higher GAF rating at termination compared with those who did not receive the intervention. Conclusions: Financial incentives that reward therapy attendance and adherence with discounted fees is associated with improved clinical functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]