The Co-Occurrence of Suicidal Ideation and Threat Behavior in University Settings

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Offending and Predicting Offending

Abstract

University threat assessment teams (TAT) respond to an array of concerning, harassing, disruptive, and potentially violent behaviors (Hoffmann, 2017; Hollister & Scalora, 2015). Research suggests that suicidal ideation co-occurs within a significant portion of those who engage in such behaviors (Meloy, 2014). Little research has explored SI’s influence on targeted concerning behaviors. Therefore, this study tested whether SI influences the nature of the concerning behavior and the grievances expressed by the persons of concern (POC). Reports of 332 instances of concerning behavior addressed by a university’s TAT were coded for harmful acts perpetrated by POCs (e.g., assault, harassment, and stalking), the grievances communicated by POCs, and the intensity of effort with which grievances are communicated. A sizeable portion (22%) of POCs exhibited SI, but it was not significantly associated with rates of assault, harassment, and stalking. Those exhibiting SI were significantly more likely to endorse personal grievances (e.g., feelings of personal victimization or having their rights violated) and put forth more effort to communicate such grievances. Results indicate that the presence of SI does not influence harmful acts perpetrated by POCs, but rather the pattern and content of concerning communications. Implications for threat assessment and management will be discussed. 

Authors

• Adam C. Cotton, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Maria Rosa Viñas-Racionero, University of Barcelona

• Mario J. Scalora, University of Nebraska - Lincoln