title: Overarousal as a mechanism of the relation between rumination and suicidality.
abstract: Rumination, particularly brooding, is associated with suicidal ideation and attempts; however, mechanisms of these associations have not been identified. The present study examined manifestations of overarousal-agitation, insomnia, and nightmares-that have been linked to both rumination and suicide as indirect indicators of the link between brooding and suicidal ideation/attempts. A sample of 492 psychiatric outpatients (64.2% female), aged 17-65 years (M = 26.75, SD = 10.32), completed self-report measures before their intake appointments with a therapist. Results indicated that agitation and nightmares, but not insomnia, each significantly explained the association between brooding and suicidal ideation and between brooding and the presence of a past suicide attempt. Overall, these findings provide evidence that certain types of overarousal may serve as a mechanism of the association between brooding and suicidal ideation and attempts. Clinical implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Florida State University, United States. Electronic address: rogers@psy.fsu.edu.
authors.forename: Megan L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.affiliation: Florida State University, United States.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.affiliation: Oklahoma State University, United States.
authors.forename: Raymond P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Mississippi, United States.
authors.forename: Keyne C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Law
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Mississippi, United States.
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Anestis
authors.affiliation: Florida State University, United States.
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Joiner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000074222:Rumination, Cognitive / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Agitation; Insomnia; Nightmares; Rumination; Suicidal ideation; Suicide attempt