Objectives
The present study examined the relation between cognitive response styles (i.e., brooding, reflection, distraction) and cognitive inflexibility in differentially predicting history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) only, suicide attempt (SA) only, or both (NSSI+SA).
Methods
College students (N = 352) completed self-report measures of rumination, distraction, and self-harm history, a diagnostic interview, and a computerized task measuring cognitive flexibility.
Results
Brooding uniquely predicted SA-only history, while reflection uniquely predicted history of NSSI-only and NSSI+SA. Distraction was associated with lower odds of NSSI-only and NSSI+SA. Cognitive inflexibility was not significantly associated with self-harm history.
Conclusion
Cognitive vulnerabilities may help identify individuals who are at risk for self-harm and may differentiate between NSSI and SA.
Objective
Research suggests that being unable to generate solutions to problems in times of distress may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behavior, and that depression is associated with problem solving deficits. This study examined active and passive problem solving as moderators of the association between depressive symptoms and future suicidal ideation (SI) among suicide attempters and non-attempters.
Method
Young adults (n = 324, 73% female, Mage = 19, SD = 2.22) with (n = 78) and without (n = 246) a suicide attempt history completed a problem-solving task, self-report measures of hopelessness, depression, and SI at baseline, and also completed a self-report measure of SI at 6-month follow-up.
Results
Passive problem solving was higher among suicide attempters but did not moderate the association between depressive symptoms and future SI. Among attempters, active problem solving buffered against depressive symptoms in predicting future SI.
Conclusions
Suicide prevention should foster active problem solving, especially among suicide attempters.
Research on social problem-solving ability or the cognitive-behavioral processes used to find successful solutions to everyday problems has been advanced by the availability of easy-to-administer self-report measures. The goal of the current study is twofold: (a) validate the factor structure of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory–Revised: Short Form (SPSI-R:S) and (b) examine the relationship between depressive rumination subtypes and dimensions of social problem solving. An initial confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in Sample 1 revealed poor model fit. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that several items cross-loaded on more than one factor. These items were removed and a subsequent CFA demonstrated adequate model. The revised model was validated in a second sample and convergent and divergent validity were examined. Brooding was related to more maladaptive problem-solving ability while reflection was generally associated with a more adaptive problem-solving style. No gender differences were found.
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