Examining the Value of Integrating the Death/Suicide Implicit Association Test into the Suicide Risk Assessment Process: A Multidimensional Approach

The thesis investigated the utility of, and conceptual model underpinning, the death/suicide implicit association test (d/s-IAT). Results suggest the d/s-IAT reflects variability in individuals' attachment to life, which represents the competing influence of life-oriented self-preservation and the acquired capability for suicide. With inconsistent results regarding the d/s-IAT in risk determination, the tool has limited clinical utility. A newly developed unipolar version of the d/s-IAT, which assesses individuals' attachment to life independent from inclinations toward death/suicide, may be useful as a conceptual tool to reassure patients they are hardwired to cling to life.