Suicide ideation is predicted by deficits in executive function

Ong, E; Eachus, P; Tang, A; Thompson, C

Abstract

Suicidal behaviour has become a public health problem with increasing concerns regarding the rise of such behaviour among adolescents and young adults (Dour, Cha & Nock, 2011). Although past studies have identified the role of cognitive factors in suicide, little has been done to explore the cognitive processes involved in suicidal thinking in young adults. The current research examined the relationship between executive functioning (a group of self-regulatory cognitive processes that facilitate an individual's purposeful behaviour; Anderson, 2008) and suicide ideation (the thoughts an individual has about committing suicide). A cross-sectional study of 131 University undergraduates in Hong Kong (67 participants) and the UK (64 participants) was conducted and it was predicted that increased suicide ideation would be correlated with poor executive function. All participants completed the Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive function- Adult Version (BRIEF-A). There were no cross-cultural differences in suicide ideation, but an increased suicide ideation was related to deficits in executive function and a decrease in problem-focused coping. Analysis showed that executive function such as organization of material, initiation, and emotional control were important predictor variables in suicide ideation. This has implications for individuals who have difficulty planning, maintaining self-generated behaviour, and controlling their emotions. This study shows that limitations in certain executive function can lead to increased suicide ideation. Further research is needed to explore how suicidal thinking may be reduced through the training of cognitive processes.

Citation

Ong, E., Eachus, P., Tang, A., & Thompson, C. Suicide ideation is predicted by deficits in executive function. Poster presented at The European Conference on Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences, Brighton, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: The European Conference on Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences
• Conference Location: Brighton, UK
• End Date: Jul 8, 2015
• Deposit Date: Dec 1, 2015
• Publisher URL: http://iafor.org/conferences/ecp2015/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference