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Nilsson AM, Waern M, Ehnvall A, Skärsäter I. The Meaning of Mental Imagery in Acute Suicidal Episodes: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231218562. [PMID: 38006244 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231218562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Clinical assessment of suicidal ideation focuses on cognitions in the form of verbal thoughts. However, cognitions also take the shape of mental imagery. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of mental imagery in acute suicidal episodes (ASEs). Eight persons with severe previous ASEs participated in repeated in-depth interviews and in the semi-structured Suicidal Cognitions Interview. Textual data from both sources underwent content analysis. All participants experienced suicide-related imagery during ASEs. Analysis resulted in two themes. (1) Suicide-approaching imagery: intrusive looming images that contributed to loss of control, flashforwards that clarified the suicidal solution, or desirable but unattainable images. (2) Suicide preventive imagery: death-alienating, life-affirming, or potentially helpful images. The meaning of mental imagery in ASEs is suggested to be understood in relation to the context of the individual ASE. A narrative approach is encouraged, as is an increased clinical focus on mental imagery in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Nilsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Västra Götalandsregionen, Psychosis Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Ehnvall
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Skärsäter
- School of Health and Welfare, Centre of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Hosseini FA, Shaygan M, Jahandideh Z. Positive imagery in depressive suicidal patients: A randomized controlled trial of the effect of viewing loved ones' photos on mood states and suicidal ideation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22312. [PMID: 38058624 PMCID: PMC10695982 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
According to research, it has been suggested that individuals who are affected by depression could potentially engage in the creation and experience emotional advantages relating to positive events directed towards the past or future, with the condition that they are provided with suitable mental imagery techniques. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of utilizing positive imagery, specifically through the utilization of photographs featuring loved ones, on mood states and suicidal ideation among individuals diagnosed with depression and exhibiting suicidal tendencies. This randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial was conducted among 78 hospitalized depressive patients at three psychiatric services between April and August 2019. The patients participated in four individual picture-viewing sessions on four consecutive days. The four categories of pictures were included: loved ones, neutral faces of strangers, natural landscapes, and optical illusions. Directly prior to and immediately following the observation of the visual stimuli (photographs), the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) were completed by the patients. Repeated measures ANOVAs conducted in this study revealed a significant main effect of time on ratings of tension, depression, fatigue, vigor, calmness, and happiness (P values < 0.001). Additionally, statistically significant interactions were identified between picture category and time in relation to the variables of tension, depression, fatigue, vigor, calmness, and happiness (P values < 0.001). The analysis did not reveal a significant main effect of time on ratings of anger, confusion, and suicidal ideation (P values > 0.05). Likewise, the interaction between picture category and time did not yield significant results for the variables of anger, confusion, and suicidal ideation (P values > 0.05). The positive imagery procedure using the presentation of loved ones' photos showed beneficial effects on the mood states of depressed patients. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating a greater emphasis on positive imagery within the context of clinical depression may offer potential advantages. This highlights the potential for novel opportunities in the treatment of depression. Trial registration The study has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number: IRCT20180808040744N1; first registration date: December 22, 2018; website: https://en.irct.ir/trial/33186).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Alsadat Hosseini
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Shaygan
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Jahandideh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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De Oliveira JM, Dueñas JM, Morales-Vives F, Gallardo-Nieto E. Educational agents and institutions called into action in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1213751. [PMID: 37780143 PMCID: PMC10539586 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1213751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 15 to 29 age group worldwide, and is a severe public health problem. Adolescent and young adult individuals attend educational institutions which can play an essential role in detecting and preventing suicide. For this reason, the purpose of this research is to identify what educational institutions and agents are called into action in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Methods The method of systematic review of the literature based on the PRISMA protocol was used. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020189127). The systematic review yielded 66 articles published between 1990 and February 2023. Results The results show that a wide variety of educational stakeholders are required to intervene for suicide prevention, interventions and postvention between primary education and college. The study describes the different programs that have been provided, the countries in which they have been implemented and the agents who have been targeted. It also identifies gaps in the research on suicide in the educational field. Discussion Overall, educational suicide initiatives report positive effects on participants' understanding, attitudes, and beliefs regarding suicide and suicide prevention, although some studies have expressed some caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge-Manuel Dueñas
- Research Center for Behavior Assessment, Psychology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fabia Morales-Vives
- Research Center for Behavior Assessment, Psychology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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Lawrence HR, Balkind EG, Ji JL, Burke TA, Liu RT. Mental imagery of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102302. [PMID: 37329877 PMCID: PMC10330912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of research on, and clinical assessment of, cognitions related to suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has focused on verbal thoughts. And yet, mental imagery is more realistic and emotionally arousing than verbal thoughts. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis documenting the prevalence of suicidal and NSSI mental imagery and describing the content and characteristics of suicidal and NSSI mental imagery, links between suicidal and NSSI mental imagery and suicidal and NSSI behavior, and how to intervene on suicidal and NSSI mental imagery. Studies published through December 17, 2022 were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO. RESULTS Twenty-three articles were included. Prevalence rates of suicidal (73.56%) and NSSI (84.33%) mental imagery were high among clinical samples. Self-harm mental imagery commonly depicts engagement in self-harm behavior and is experienced as vivid, realistic, and preoccupying. When experimentally induced, self-harm mental imagery reduces physiological and affective arousal. Preliminary evidence suggests that suicidal mental imagery is associated with suicidal behavior. CONCLUSIONS Suicidal and NSSI mental imagery are highly prevalent and may be associated with heightened risk for self-harm behavior. Assessments and interventions for self-harm should consider incorporating and addressing suicidal and NSSI mental imagery to mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Lawrence
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America.
| | - Emma G Balkind
- Suffolk University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julie L Ji
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard T Liu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Taylor PJ, Duxbury P, Moorhouse J, Russell C, Pratt D, Parker S, Sutton C, Lobban F, Drake R, Eccles S, Ryder D, Patel R, Kimber E, Kerry E, Randles N, Kelly J, Palmier-Claus J. The Mental Imagery for Suicidality in Students Trial (MISST): study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of broad-minded affective coping (BMAC) plus risk assessment and signposting versus risk assessment and signposting alone. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:43. [PMID: 36932430 PMCID: PMC10021063 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Going to university is an important milestone in many people's lives. It can also be a time of significant challenge and stress. There are growing concerns about mental health amongst student populations including suicide risk. Student mental health and counselling services have the potential to prevent suicide, but evidence-based therapies are required that fit these service contexts. The Broad-Minded Affective Coping intervention (BMAC) is a brief (6 sessions), positive imagery-based intervention that aims to enhance students access to past positive experiences and associated emotions and cognitions. Pilot data provides preliminary support for the BMAC for students struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviours, but this intervention has not yet been evaluated in the context of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The Mental Imagery for Suicidality in Students Trial (MISST) is a feasibility RCT that aims to determine the acceptability and feasibility of evaluating the BMAC as an intervention for university students at risk of suicide within a larger efficacy trial. Key feasibility uncertainties have been identified relating to recruitment, retention, and missing data. Intervention acceptability and safety will also be evaluated. METHOD MISST is a feasibility randomised controlled trial design, with 1:1 allocation to risk assessment and signposting plus BMAC or risk assessment and signposting alone. Participants will be university students who self-report experiences of suicidal ideation or behaviour in the past 3 months. Assessments take place at baseline, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. The target sample size is 66 participants. A subset of up to 20 participants will be invited to take part in semi-structured qualitative interviews to obtain further data concerning the acceptability of the intervention. DISCUSSION The BMAC intervention may provide an effective, brief talking therapy to help university students struggling with suicidal thoughts that could be readily implemented into university student counselling services. Depending on the results of MISST, the next step would be to undertake a larger-scale efficacy trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was preregistered (17 December 2021) on ISRCTN (ISRCTN13621293) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05296538).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter James Taylor
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paula Duxbury
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jane Moorhouse
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Chloe Russell
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dan Pratt
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sophie Parker
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Chris Sutton
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research, and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona Lobban
- LA14YW, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Richard Drake
- Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Steve Eccles
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - David Ryder
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research, and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rafeea Patel
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Eirian Kerry
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nathan Randles
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, UK
| | - James Kelly
- Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jasper Palmier-Claus
- LA14YW, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK. .,Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire, UK.
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