Search results

"Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) have long since exited the ranks of "new" or "revolutionary" psychotherapies and are now solidly positioned in the front ranks of mainstream therapeutic approaches. This position has been earned through rigorous and systematic approaches to development by well-respected theorists, researchers, and clinicians worldwide. In a recent summary statement, Prochaska and Norcross (2003) described CBTs as "the fastest growing and most heavily researched orientations on the contemporary scene," commenting further that "if we were forced to purchase stock in any of the psychotherapy systems, Beck's cognitive therapy would be the blue-chip growth selection for the next five years" (p. 369). The present volume is an attempt to bring together for the first time the work of leading theorists and researchers exploring various facets of cognition and their influence on the experience of suicidal individuals. The book's purpose is to form a basis for synthesizing this disparate body of work and to understand its implications for the development of CBT strategies, while also illuminating areas in which the research falls short and is in need of further expansion. In closing, a disclaimer is in order: The concentration here on cognitive content and processes is offered in service of advancing cognitive therapeutic interventions and should not be viewed as denying or minimizing the multifactorial nature of suicide, including biological, developmental, social, and cultural influences. Recent advances have shown clearly that dichotomous thinking (e.g., nature vs. nurture) has no place in the study of suicide; an integrative approach is clearly more appropriate. With this book the stage has set for an integrative approach to the study of cognition and suicide"--Introduction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

Background: Individuals who are less invested in their bodies, experiencing symptoms of depression, and consuming alcohol are at increased risk for engaging in suicidal behaviors. Aims: This study examined the relationships among three risk factors – body investment, depression, and alcohol use – and suicide proneness as measured by the Life Attitudes Schedule – Short Form (LAS-SF) in college students (N = 318). Methods: Path analysis was used to construct a causal model of suicide proneness. The Body Investment Scale (BIS) subscales were assumed to be causally prior to depression, which was in turn modeled as occurring prior to alcohol use, which was in turn modeled as prior to suicide proneness. Results: As expected, suicide proneness was positively predicted by alcohol use, alcohol use was positively predicted by depression, and depression was negatively predicted by the body image component of the BIS. Additionally, the body image-suicide proneness link was significantly mediated by depression and its direct effect on suicide proneness as well as by the two-mediator path of body image on depression on drinking on suicide proneness. Conclusions: Implications are offered for the improved identification and treatment of young adults at risk for suicidal and health-diminishing behaviors.

Background: Although sleep is an important risk factor for suicidal behavior, research has yet to examine the association between sleep problems and suicidality across the course of inpatient treatment. This study examined the relationship among sleep-related symptoms and suicidal ideation across inpatient treatment. Aims: To examine whether poor sleep at admission longitudinally predicts less improvement in suicidal ideation over the course of treatment. Further, to examine whether suicidal ideation is reduced in patients whose sleep does not improve. Method: The study utilized the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II, which contains items measuring depressive symptoms, sleep-related symptoms, and suicidal ideation. The study sample consisted of 1,529 adult psychiatric inpatients. Patients were assessed at admission, biweekly, and at treatment termination. Results: Admission fatigue, loss of energy, and change in sleep pattern were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation at admission and discharge. Fatigue at admission predicted suicidal ideation at termination independent of admission depression and suicidal ideation. Individuals whose sleep did not improve over the course of treatment had significantly higher suicidal ideation scores at termination relative to those whose sleep symptoms improved, after controlling for sleep, depression, and suicidal ideation scores at admission. Conclusion: These findings suggest that persistence of sleep-related symptoms warrants clinical attention in the treatment of suicidal patients.