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Abstract

Key to suicide prevention is the ability to cope with and safely manage suicidal ideation. However, despite an extensive literature on coping with distress, very little research has examined how people cope with suicidal ideation specifically (henceforth referred to as suicide-specific coping; SSC). Thus, this dissertation aimed to address foundational questions about SSC. In Study 1, I examined the frequency with which different SSC responses were used, the perceived impact of these responses on ideation, and the cross-sectional associations between SSC and suicidal ideation and attempts. This study consisted of a detailed semi-structured interview and self-report measures assessing SSC and suicidal ideation administered to 102 undergraduates with a lifetime history of suicidal ideation. In Study 2, I examined longitudinally how SSC predicted subsequent suicidal ideation over the next week (and vice versa). This study employed a two-wave longitudinal design and used self-report measures to assess SSC and suicidal ideation in 400 North American adults who reported recent suicidal ideation. Results from Study 1 identified SSC responses that were more frequent (e.g., withdrawing from others), less frequent (e.g., going to the hospital), more helpful (e.g., finding someone understanding), and more harmful (e.g., withdrawing from others). Adaptive and Maladaptive SSC scales demonstrated minimal to moderate correlations with suicidal ideation and history of attempts. Study 2 found that more frequent maladaptive SSC predicted more intense next week suicidal ideation, and greater confidence and knowledge in SSC predicted less intense next week suicidal ideation. Overall, results from this dissertation provide descriptive information regarding frequency and perceived impact of SSC. Findings also highlight the potential adverse impacts of maladaptive SSC responses on next week suicidal ideation and the potential positive impact of knowledge and confidence in SSC on next week suicidal ideation. Research and clinical implications are discussed, along with limitations and future directions. Findings provide useful information to guide future research, support clinicians working with suicidal individuals, and may also help inform large-scale public suicide prevention efforts designed to facilitate effective coping with suicidal ideation.