The hypothesis that suicidal patients have an attitude which focuses more on the past/present rather than the future was tested. 64 males & 80 female suicide attempters were asked “How far into the future are you thinking?” at various stages of their treatment. This study found that time orientation is more trait than state dependent, in that patients’ answers did not change over time. This study also found that suicide attempters were more future than past or present-oriented.