Real-time Intervention for Suicide Risk Reduction

Real-time Intervention for Suicide Risk Reduction

The goal of this study is to provide an initial pilot test of an Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed the reduce the distress associated with negative emotion among individuals at risk for suicide that pairs content from a smartphone with a wearable physiological monitor. Participants will be 25 suicidal adult inpatients who will complete three brief therapy sessions with a study therapist and then complete exercises associated with the study for the duration of the inpatient period and for 28 days after they leave the hospital.

The goal of this study is to provide an initial pilot test of an Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed the reduce the distress associated with negative emotion among individuals at risk for suicide that pairs content from a smartphone with a wearable physiological monitor. Participants will be 25 suicidal adult inpatients who will complete three brief therapy sessions with a study therapist and then complete exercises associated with the study for the duration of the inpatient period and for 28 days after they leave the hospital. During the time they are in the study, participants will be asked to install on their smartphone a mobile application to deliver the therapeutic content and will wear a physiological monitoring device on their wrist (Empatica Embrace) which will monitor objective signals of physiological distress (e.g., skin conductance).

Inclusion criteria:

• A recent suicide attempt or serious suicidal ideation (i.e., ideation with at least 70% intent or a suicide plan with access to lethal means),
• The ability to speak and write English fluently, access to an internet-capable smartphone (e.g., an iPhone or Android phone)
• Providing at least one collateral contact in cases where the investigators cannot reach the participant.

Exclusion criteria:

• The presence of any factor that impairs an individual's ability to comprehend and effectively participate in the study including:
• An inability to speak or write English fluently
• The presence of gross cognitive impairment due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, dementia, or acute intoxication.
• The presence of extremely agitated or violent behavior.