Temporal self-appraisals associated with suicide-related thoughts and behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Temporal self-appraisal (TSA) is the trajectory of self-appraisal over time, including how a person views their past and future selves in relation to their present self. In this study, we examined the TSA of individuals with and without a history of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (STBs). METHODS: Using Amazon Mechanical Turk for recruitment, we studied 397 participants on validated measures of TSA, STBs, and mood. RESULTS: The non-STB group (n = 291) had a TSA trajectory similar to that previously found for nonclinical populations, with perceived self-improvement over time. In contrast, the TSA of the STB group (n = 106) had two distinct qualities: their TSA profiles were more negative at all time points (past, present, and future) than the non-STB group, and they displayed similar anticipated present-to-future growth as the non-STB group but perceived minimal past-to-present change. These differences persisted when controlling for depression, anxiety, and stress, suggesting a distinct STB-related TSA profile independent of comorbid affective states. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the use of self-report measures and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: By investigating TSA, this study provides insights into the unique aspects of self-appraisal associated with having a history of STBs and emphasizes the need for therapeutic interventions that foster self-continuity and positive self-appraisal across time. Future research should focus on clarifying the mechanisms underlying this distinct self-appraisal pattern in the STB group and the effects of interventions that enhance temporal self-appraisal.

Recovery after a suicidal episode: Developing and validating the Recovery Evaluation and Suicide Support Tool (RESST).

The personal recovery movement advocates for shifting emphasis from clinical symptom reduction toward reclaiming personal agency and creating meaning-filled lives despite the presence of distressing experiences. Corresponding personal recovery measures have been developed; however, there is no established psychometric assessment of personal recovery following a suicidal episode. This study addressed this gap by developing the Recovery Evaluation and Suicide Support Tool (RESST) and assessing its test score reliability, test score interpretations' validity, and psychometric properties. Throughout RESST's development, input from diverse stakeholders-including clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience-was gathered to ensure a meaningful and useful scale. Exploratory factor analysis techniques were used with adults with a suicidal episode history (N = 502) to select and refine items, culminating in a 21-item scale with four distinct subscales: Self-Worth, Life Worth, Social Worth, and Self-Understanding. Confirmatory factor analysis techniques demonstrated model fit across three samples of adults with a suicidal episode history (combined N = 1,523), and test-retest reliability was obtained (N = 204). The results revealed that RESST scores exhibit an internally consistent and replicable factor structure, consistent with personal recovery theory. Additionally, the interpretation of test scores exhibited both convergent and discriminant validity. Mental health indices related to recovery, negative mood states, suicidality, and meaning in life had significant moderate-to-strong correlations with the RESST, supporting the validity of the test score interpretations and clinical relevance. This measure should aid research into recovery processes and understanding how recovery following a suicidal episode may be enhanced clinically and personally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Temporal self and reflected appraisals in euthymic and depressed individuals.

BACKGROUND: Temporal self-appraisal (TSA) theory, reflected appraisal theory, and their clinical applications have previously been explored as independent constructs. This study investigates how TSA corresponds to temporal reflected appraisal (TRA), and how the relationship between them differs in the presence of depression. METHODS: 273 adults (57 % female), recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk, filled out a series of measures of mood and self-appraisal assessments (TSA and TRA versions of the Me/Not Me task). Repeated measures MANOVAs were used to assess between group differences. RESULTS: The TSA trajectory of depressed individuals replicated the 'V' shape found in previous research, whereas the TRA of depressed individuals did not decline from past to present. There was little difference between TSA and TRA "past" and "future" appraisals, though there was a significant difference in appraisal of the "present." Individuals with depression believe that others perceive them as doing much better currently than the way they view themselves. By contrast, euthymic individuals had no significant differences between the TSA and TRA appraisals of their present selves, indicating they think their self-perception matches how others view them. LIMITATIONS: We assessed depression using online self-reports. Cross-sectional data limits causality determination but suffices for studying mood-related self-perceptions over time. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal self-appraisal and temporal reflected appraisal have varying relationships among euthymic and depressed individuals. This more precise characterization of depressed individuals' identity can further aid clinicians in understanding the nature of identity development and treating identity disruption among depressed individuals.

Struggles in the Orthodox Jewish shidduch dating system-A large-scale qualitative analysis.

Marriage is an important life goal and is highly valued among Orthodox Jews. Shidduch dating refers to the arranged dating system that is typically used within the community. Previous research and anecdotal evidence suggest that the shidduch system has become difficult and challenging for many individuals, yet there is a dearth of evidence on the subject. This study set out to explore issues related to dating and marriage within the Orthodox Jewish community using a large sample size. Participants included 889 Orthodox individuals across diverse demographic groups who responded to an optional question within a larger survey inquiring about their thoughts and experiences on the subject. An inductive qualitative analysis was conducted, and this paper focuses on the seven most prevalent themes that emerged. These themes include issues related to superficial criteria in mate selection, gender segregation, perceived surplus of females, pressure to marry before feeling ready, the formal structure of shidduch dating, the exclusion of specific groups from the process and lack of education in areas of intimacy and sexuality. This study is important in promoting clinical awareness regarding the struggles that many Orthodox Jewish daters face and underscores the need for communal change addressing these issues.

Theoretical model of recovery following a suicidal episode (COURAGE): scoping review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Despite a significant need, there are currently no rigorously developed empirically based models for what personal recovery from a suicidal episode looks like. AIMS: To develop a theoretical model of personal recovery after a suicidal episode, based on a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder feedback. METHOD: A scoping review of all empirical studies on this topic was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis to create a preliminary framework. Consultation-based revisions were then made based on feedback from a stakeholder panel to develop the final theoretical model. RESULTS: The final model comprised seven themes: choosing life, optimising identity, understanding oneself, rediscovering meaning, acceptance, growing connectedness and empowerment (acronym 'COURAGE'). Although there are some similarities between COURAGE and other models of personal recovery, there are components, such as 'choosing life' and 'understanding oneself', that are specific to recovery after an acute suicidal episode. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a comprehensive literature review with stakeholder feedback to develop a conceptual model of personal recovery after an acute suicidal episode. This model has important implications for both researchers and clinicians to consider. Looking ahead, COURAGE can inform the reconceptualisation of assessment, research and clinical care of individuals who have experienced a suicidal episode.

Anxiety and temporal self-appraisal: How people with anxiety evaluate themselves over time.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies found that psychopathology is associated with distinct self-perceptions over time. Euthymic individuals report experiencing a self-enhancement bias, with self-appraisal increasing over time. In contrast, depressed individuals report viewing a personal decline from past to present and anticipated self-improvement from present to future. This study examined the association between the singular presence of anxiety and temporal self-appraisal. METHODS: Using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, this study examined a depressed (n = 142), anxious (n = 95), comorbid depressed and anxious (n = 335), and euthymic group (non-depressed and non-anxious, n = 535), on a validated task of temporal self-appraisal. RESULTS: Anxiety has a unique association with temporal self-appraisal that differs from the other disorders examined in this study. Specifically, individuals with anxiety had a similar positive trend of self-view to the euthymic group; however, their overall trend was lower at each temporal point. Individuals with depression had a stable past-to-present self-view and an improving present-to-future self-view. LIMITATIONS: The use of an online self-report sample without longitudinal assessment of variables, while sufficient for the intent of the present study, limits the potential extrapolation from this sample, as well as prevents the determination of the direction of causality. CONCLUSIONS: While individuals with anxiety demonstrate a positive sense of improvement over time, their psychopathology is associated with a negative bias in their perception of their past, present, and future selves. These findings have important implications for clinicians regarding potential interventions and treatment for anxiety and depression.