title: Preliminary results from an examination of episodic planning in suicidal behavior.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prior research has reported that a substantial portion of suicidal behavior occurs impulsively. These studies, however, have been unable to assess for episodic planning.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide preliminary support for the plausibility and utility of assessing episodic, nonlinear planning in suicidal behavior.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty undergraduates with a prior history of suicidal behavior responded to a series of questions assessing level of attempt, method, and level of planning during their most recent self-reported suicide attempt.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Level of intent was positively associated with planning, and the modal individual whose most recent attempt involved clear intent to die endorsed planning for at least 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary data support the plausibility and potential utility of assessing episodic planning and indicate that suicide attempts involving a clear intent to die typically require extensive levels of planning and rarely (if ever) emerge without forethought.
authors.affiliation: <location>Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, USA</location>
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Anestis
authors.affiliation: <location>Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, USA</location>
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pennings
authors.affiliation: <location>Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, USA</location>
authors.forename: Tabatha J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: impulsivity; suicide; suicide attempts