Suicide Risk and Prevention Research

\​​​​​​​Translational Suicide Prevention & Clinical Utility

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A central goal of our lab is to improve the clinical utility of suicide risk assessment. Although many studies identify statistical predictors of suicide risk, fewer examine how assessment approaches can meaningfully improve clinical decision-making in real-world settings.

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Our work focuses on developing and evaluating clinically actionable approaches to suicide risk identification, including:

• Suicidal ambivalence

• Interpersonal hopelessness

• Suicide-related cognitive and emotional processes

• Clinically meaningful assessment strategies

 

We are also interested in methodological and statistical approaches that improve the translation of suicide research into practical clinical applications.

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Real-Time Suicide Risk Processes

 

Suicidal thoughts and emotions often fluctuate substantially over time. Our lab uses EMA and intensive longitudinal methods to examine suicide risk processes as they occur in daily life.

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Current work in this area focuses on:

• Suicidal ambivalence and instability

• Interpersonal hopelessness

• Suicide safety plan engagement

• Emotion dysregulation

• Substance use and suicide risk

• Suicide risk disclosure

 

By studying suicide risk in real time, we aim to better understand how individuals transition from suicidal thoughts to periods of elevated risk and to identify opportunities for timely intervention.

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Interpersonal & Cognitive Risk Factors

 

Our research is strongly informed by contemporary suicide theories, particularly the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and related interpersonal-cognitive frameworks, which contribute to understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors across diverse populations.

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We are interested in:

• Social disconnection

• Hopelessness

• Perceived burdensomeness

• Thwarted belongingness

• Interpersonal stress

 

This work includes:

• The development and evaluation of suicide risk measures

• Theory-driven investigations of interpersonal hopelessness

• Research examining how interpersonal factors interact with emotion regulation, trauma, substance use, and environmental stressors

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Suicide Prevention in Healthcare & Community Systems

 

The SRPR Laboratory conducts implementation-oriented research to improve suicide prevention across healthcare, education, and community systems.

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Current projects include collaborations involving:

• Pediatric primary care suicide prevention

• Healthcare workforce training

• Community-based suicide prevention programs

• Law enforcement and public safety settings

• Statewide implementation initiatives

 

This work emphasizes feasibility, acceptability, dissemination, workforce preparedness, and scalable approaches to suicide prevention.

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Suicide Risk Among High-Risk & Underserved Populations

 

Many of our projects focus on populations that experience elevated suicide risk and reduced access to mental health care resources.

 

Populations of interest include:

• Justice-involved individuals

• Psychiatric inpatients

• Law enforcement officers

• Veterans

• Caregivers

• College students

• Other high-risk or underserved groups

 

Across these populations, our work aims to identify modifiable risk and protective factors that can inform prevention and intervention efforts.

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Mentorship & Collaborative Research

 

The SRPR Laboratory strongly emphasizes student mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational training in suicide prevention science.

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Students and collaborators are actively involved in:

• Study development

• Data collection

• Statistical analysis

• Manuscript preparation

• Dissemination activities

 

We value collaborative, clinically informed, and community-engaged approaches to research and are committed to training the next generation of suicide prevention scientists and clinicians.