The bidirectional dynamics between affective states during peer contexts and suicidal thoughts in daily life among adolescents

Suicide is a leading cause of death in teens; yet predicting when risk for suicide is elevated remains a major challenge. During adolescence, teens are especially sensitive to the emotional impact of peer interactions, and these interactions may shape when and why suicidal thoughts emerge. Using a 30-day intensive longitudinal study of teen girls at risk for suicide, teens reported on their suicidal thoughts and emotional responses to peer interactions in daily life using their smartphones.

Questions Explored: 

What do emotional responses to peer interactions reveal about teen suicide risk? 

How do emotional responses to peer interactions shape suicidal thoughts? 

Do suicidal thoughts leave a lasting impact on teens' emotions?

Main Findings:

• Big feelings, fast changes - Teens at risk for suicide feel emotions more intensely and shift quickly between their emotions. 

• Peers shape moments, feelings shape risk - Whether peer interactions are good or bad, how strongly teens react emotionally matters most for suicide risk.

• It's a two-way street - Suicidal thoughts don't just end the cycle, they also fuel more emotional turbulence.