Overview
This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone-delivered intervention called Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S) in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among adults with recent and frequent suicide ideation.
Description
The present study is a one-arm open trial designed to evaluate the safety, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S), a smartphone-delivered intervention aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). Participants in this study will be 20 adult participants (ages 18+) who report recent and frequent STB, residing within the greater-Boston, MA area.
Participants will receive 3x/daily EMA and optional access to active TEC-S. Evaluative conditioning uses classical conditioning to alter attitudes. The aim of TEC-S is to alter attitudes toward suicide and, in turn, reduce STB. EMAs will monitor STB, safety, and acceptability, and efficacy. Weekly behavioral and self-report assays will assess hypothesized treatment mechanisms. The study's aim is to evaluate the safety, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning for Suicide (TEC-S).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults ages 18+
- Relatively frequent and recent (≥5 days within the past-month) active suicidal thoughts as assessed via SITBI-R.
- Willing and able to provide at least one emergency contact (name, phone number, relation).
- Owns an Android or iOS smartphone.
- Possesses at least occasional access to Wi-Fi-enabled internet for data down/uploads.
- Fluent in English and willing to provide informed consent.
- Living in the Boston metropolitan area (i.e., \~50 mile radius around Boston, MA)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Recent (past 3-month) hypo/manic symptoms or homicidal ideation or lifetime psychosis spectrum diagnosis as assessed via MINI 7.0.2.
- Recent acute suicide risk operationalized as affirmative responses to BOTH below items during structured clinical interview AND evaluation by the PI in consultation with Mentors/Advisor Drs. Wilhelm, Kleiman, and/or Bentley:
- At any time in past week: ≥ 8/10 current intent to act on suicidal thoughts (0 \["not at all"\] to 10 \["extremely strong"\]); AND
- At any time in past week: thought of a specific suicide plan (i.e, known method/means and/or location) with access to lethal means
- Impaired vision (e.g., legal blindness), technological illiteracy, or intellectual disability that might impair ability to provide valid data and/or informed consent.