Frequent Assessment of Suicidal Thinking does not Increase Suicidal Thinking: Evidence from a High-Resolution Real-Time Monitoring Study

Abstract

Researchers, clinicians, and patients are increasingly using real-time monitoring methods to understand and predict suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These methods involve frequently assessing suicidal thoughts, but it is unknown if asking about suicide repeatedly is iatrogenic. We tested two questions about this approach: (1) does repeatedly assessing suicidal thinking over short periods of time increase suicidal thinking? (2) is more frequent assessment of suicidal thinking associated with more severe suicidal thinking? In a real-time monitoring study (N = 81, number of surveys = 9,819), we found no evidence to support the notion that repeated assessment of suicidal thoughts is iatrogenic.

Open Science in Suicide Research Is Open for Business

“…A growing number of suicide researchers (e.g., Coppersmith et al, 2020; DelPozo-Banos et al, 2021; Kaurin, Wright, Hallquist et al, 2020; O’Connor et al, 2018) post a version of their manuscript online, prior to peer review, known as a preprint (commonly posted on PsyArXiv for psychology, SocArXiv for sociology, MedArXiv for clinical articles, etc.). This is because preprints increase access to research beyond barriers of publishers’ paywalls and the successive upload of revised manuscript versions transparently shows the evolution of an article.…”

Ambulatory assessment in psychopathology research: Current achievements and future ambitions

“…While some studies find iatrogenic effects of repeatedly being asked to report on symptoms (e.g., alcohol abuse; [37]), other research finds evidence for clinical improvement (e.g., depressive symptoms; [38]). The vast majority of research, however, finds no evidence for symptom reactivity in clinical AA studies (e.g., pain complaints; [39] or suicidal ideation; [40]).…”

The association between history of prenatal loss and maternal psychological state in a subsequent pregnancy: an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study

“…Fourth, EMA studies assess the participants' psychological state repeatedly across multiple days raising the issue of measurement reactivity. However, previous EMA studies have provided no evidence for measurement reactivity with regard to mood, craving, body image, and suicidal thoughts (Coppersmith, 2020 ; De Vuyst, Dejonckheere, Van der Gucht, & Kuppens, 2019 ; Heron & Smyth, 2013 ; Hufford, Shields, Shiffman, Paty, & Balabanis, 2002 ; Rowan et al, 2007 ).…”