PhD defence

Dynamics of Despair: Examining Suicidal Ideation Using Real-Time Methodologies

• L.M.M. Kivelä

Date

Thursday 9 January 2025

Time

11:30 - 12:30 hour

Address

Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden

Supervisor(s)

• Prof.dr. A.J.W. van der Does
• dr. N. Antypa

Summary

This dissertation examines the temporal dynamics of suicidal ideation in daily life using real-time assessment methods, including actigraphy and ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Suicidal ideation can be highly variable, and understanding these fluctuations provides critical insights into how individuals may transition into moments of heightened suicidal ideation. Variability in suicidal ideation itself has been proposed to serve as a phenotypic marker for increased suicide risk. Therefore, identifying the correlates and predictors of this variability is essential for improved risk detection.

Key findings from this research include: 1. EMA is a valuable tool for capturing within-day fluctuations in suicidal ideation, which are often missed by traditional measurement instruments. 2. Risk and protective factors differ for passive and active suicidal ideation. For example, shame appears to play a pivotal role in transitioning from passive to active ideation, and in developing capability for suicide. 3. Sleep disturbances can have immediate effects, with interrupted sleep at night increasing suicidal ideation the following day. 4. Individuals exhibit distinctive patterns of suicidal ideation when measured in real-time, and these patterns associate with different risk profiles for future suicidal behaviour.

While further research is needed to confirm the predictive utility of suicidal ideation dynamics in predicting future suicide risk, these findings advance our understanding of the short-term mechanisms underlying suicidal ideation. Insights into these critical time frames (hours, days) have important implications for researchers and clinicians, and may help identify important warnings signs, and improve timely interventions for those at risk.

PhD dissertations

Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.

Press enquiries (journalists only)

[phone]
[e-mail]

General information

Beadle's Office
[e-mail]
[phone]