B4173 - From Suicide Ideation to Suicide Attempt Clarifying the Role of Painful and Provocative Events - 24/10/2022

B number: 
B4173
Principal applicant name: 
Alexis Edwards | Virginia Commonwealth University (United States)
Co-applicants: 
Mallory Stephenson
Title of project: 
From Suicide Ideation to Suicide Attempt: Clarifying the Role of Painful and Provocative Events
Proposal summary: 

Several leading theories of suicide propose that capability for suicide is acquired across development, in part through exposure to physically painful and/or fear-inducing experiences, collectively referred to as painful and provocative events (PPEs). However, studies investigating the association between exposure to PPEs and risk for suicide attempt are usually cross-sectional (the exposure and outcome are measured at the same time) and do not employ a genetically-informed approach. In this project, we will use data from the ALSPAC study to further characterize the association between PPE exposure and risk for suicide attempt. First, we will test whether the association between genetic liability and risk for suicide attempt is mediated by impulsivity and exposure to PPEs, such as aches and pains, injuries, accidents, and traumatic events. Second, we will investigate whether the magnitude of the association between PPE exposure and risk for suicide attempt in adolescence varies based on parenting behaviors, as positive parenting behaviors may buffer risk associated with exposure to PPEs.

Impact of research: 
These analyses will clarify the relationships between painful and provocative events, genetic risk for suicide attempt, impulsivity, parenting, and suicidal behavior, while also considering differences in the development of suicide attempt based on biological sex. We anticipate that our findings will yield insight into the predictive utility of ideation-to-action theories of suicide and highlight relevant risk factors for the transition from suicide ideation to attempt in adolescence.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 18 October, 2022
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 24 October, 2022
Keywords: 
Social Science, Mental health, Biological samples -e.g. blood, cell lines, saliva, etc., Genetics, Injury (including accidents), Parenting, Sex differences