Therapeutic Mechanisms of Suicidal Ideation: the Influence of Changes in Automatic Thoughts and Immature Defenses

This study evaluates the influence on suicide ideation of theory-based intrapsychic processes: maladaptive cognition & defensive style. 33 community mental health patients completed questionnaires at 2 time points. Decreases in automatic thoughts were a strong correlate of decreased suicide ideation & decreases in immature defenses were a moderate strength correlate. These relationships remained significant even when controlling for initial level of depression. Psychodynamic processes in suicide ideation & behaviour warrant further exploration. (37 refs.)