Revised Attentional Fixation on Suicide Experiences Questionnaire and its relationship with suicidal ideation and behavior: A cross‐sectional study

Introduction The Attentional Fixation on Suicide Experiences Questionnaire (AFSEQ) was developed to measure attentional fixation on suicide, a cognitive process characterized by a preoccupation with suicide as a solution. This study investigated a revised version (AFSEQ‐R) and examined differences b...

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Published in:Suicide & life-threatening behavior 2022-12, Vol.52 (6), p.1096-1109
Main Authors: Mandel, Abby Adler, Revzina, Olga, Jessani, Zohaib, Brown, Gregory K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
attentional fixation
Construct Validity
Cross-Sectional Studies
Factor Analysis
Factor Structure
Humans
Impulsive Behavior
problem‐solving deficits
Questionnaires
Reproducibility of Results
Risk Factors
Suicidal behavior
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide
suicide attempts
Suicide, Attempted - psychology
Suicides & suicide attempts
Validity
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Summary:Introduction The Attentional Fixation on Suicide Experiences Questionnaire (AFSEQ) was developed to measure attentional fixation on suicide, a cognitive process characterized by a preoccupation with suicide as a solution. This study investigated a revised version (AFSEQ‐R) and examined differences between those who made a recent suicide attempt and those with suicidal ideation (SI). Method Participants were 57 inpatients who attempted suicide within 14 days of study participation and 57 inpatients who presented with SI but no suicidal behavior within the past year. Analyses examined the internal reliability, multidimensionality, and construct validity of the AFSEQ‐R, and whether attentional fixation moderated the correlation between SI and attempt status. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two‐factor structure, and subscale and total scores demonstrated excellent internal consistency. Cognitive Stuckness (and total score) correlated with SI, anxiety, impulsivity, and specific problem‐solving deficits, while Cognitive Dysfunction correlated with anxiety and acted as a moderator of the correlation between Stuckness and SI. AFSEQ‐R scores did not moderate the relationship between SI and attempt status. Conclusion AFSEQ‐R is a psychometrically sound and valid measure of attentional fixation. Attentional fixation on suicide is correlated with SI, and prospective studies are needed to uncover its directional effect on suicidal crises.
ISSN:0363-0234
1943-278X
DOI:10.1111/sltb.12904