Developing a Mobile Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Cognitions in Veterans

Developing a Mobile Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Cognitions in Veterans (COR 19-490)

Suicide cognitions are conceptualized as enduring, chronic vulnerability factors that predispose individuals to suicidal crises. Therefore, modification of these beliefs may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The goal of this research is to develop, refine, and pilot-test a mobile intervention to reduce cognitions that contribute to elevated suicide risk and to assess the impact of reductions in suicide cognitions and anger cognitions on suicide risk and functioning.

Suicide cognitions are conceptualized as enduring, chronic vulnerability factors that predispose individuals to suicidal crises. Therefore, modification of these beliefs may reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition to suicide cognitions, another potentially modifiable risk factor for suicide is anger. The goal of this research is to develop, refine, and pilot-test a mobile interpretation bias modification intervention to reduce cognitions that contribute to elevated suicide risk and to assess the impact of reductions in suicide cognitions and hostile interpretation bias (a cognitive bias that is associated with anger) on suicide risk and functioning.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veterans 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with PTSD, established via the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
• Report a score of 12 on the 5-item Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale
• Can read at least 6th grade level material
• Report a score of 1-3 (indicating ideation without intent) on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• Have attended a mental health appointment within the past month, with another scheduled in the following month (i.e., be engaged in treatment with a mental health provider)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with bipolar or psychotic disorder.
• Current substance use disorder.
• Current imminent suicide risk or homicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention.