This study examines the relationship of patients’ response style to clinicians’ ratings of intent. 50 suicide ideators were assessed using 3 scales. An item factor analysis of the scale for suicide ideation yielded 2 factors: suicidal desire & suicide preparation. Hopelessness & undesirability were associated with suicidal desire; hoplessness was independent of suicide preparation. It appeared that negative desirability responding represents a distress set in the context of suicidal behavior.(LH