Suicidal ideation (SI) is dynamic and closely tied to social context, yet most work treats these links as static or unidirectional. We tested a transactional account whereby SI and interpersonal appraisals co-evolve over hours and examined personality trait moderators. Young adults in behavioral treatment with SI and/or suicidal behavior in the past four months (N=140) completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment (7 prompts/day). At each prompt, participants reported current SI and rated interpersonal strain (rejection/criticism/exclusion/stress) and enrichment (enjoyment/connection/meaning/support) from interpersonal interactions. Dynamic structural equation models estimated five dynamic features of SI: reactivity, generation, inertia, instability, and intensity. Trait Negative Affectivity, Detachment, and Disinhibition were tested as moderators. Interpersonal strain was associated with higher subsequent SI (reactivity), and higher SI was associated with greater subsequent strain (generation). Likewise, interpersonal enrichment was associated with lower subsequent SI, and higher SI was associated with lower subsequent enrichment. Detachment uniquely moderated these dynamic processes: higher Detachment related to stronger SI increases after strain and larger SI decreases after enrichment, as well as greater SI intensity and instability, higher strain, and lower enrichment. Facet models indicated that Anhedonia concentrated Detachment-related risk (higher mean SI, higher strain intensity and instability, lower enrichment, greater SI inertia and instability, and stronger reactivity to strain/enrichment). In contrast, Intimacy Avoidance was associated with lower strain instability and lower enrichment. Negative Affectivity and Disinhibition did not moderate dynamic paths. SI was linked to interpersonal appraisals through short-cycle, bidirectional associations that were moderated by Detachment, especially its Anhedonia facet. • DSEM models estimated five dynamic features of suicidal ideation (SI) • SI unfolded through interconnected processes with interpersonal appraisals • These processes were moderated by Detachment, especially its Anhedonia facet • Detachment/Anhedonia amplified SI reactivity to social strain and enrichment • Findings support just-in-time, trait-tailored interventions
Tsypes et al. (Sun,) studied this question.