Assessment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults: A systematic review of measure psychometric properties and implications for clinical and research utility

• Published in: Clinical psychology review Vol. 112; p. 102464
• Main Authors: Pollak, Olivia H., Sheehan, Ana E., Walsh, Rachel F.L., Stephenson, Auburn R., Zell, Holly, Mayes, Jenna, Lawrence, Hannah R., Bettis, Alexandra H., Liu, Richard T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Assessment; Humans; Measurement; Psychometrics; Psychometrics - standards; Reproducibility of Results; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide attempt; Suicide, Attempted - psychology; Measurement; Psychometrics; Suicidal ideation; Suicide; Assessment; Suicide attempt
• ISSN: 0272-7358; 1873-7811; 1873-7811
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102464

High-quality clinical care and research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) depends on availability and implementation of reliable and valid measures of STBs. In contrast to studies examining STB risk factors, screening instruments, or treatment, little research has rigorously examined the content, characteristics, and psychometric properties of STB measures themselves. This systematic review (1) identified STB measures that conform to empirically supported definitions of STBs, and (2) identified peer-reviewed papers reporting on the psychometric properties of these measures in adults. Data on psychometric properties and other measure characteristics were extracted. A total of 21 eligible measures were identified in the first stage. In the second stage, 70 articles (with 79 independent samples) were included with psychometric data in adult samples for 19 measures. Although there was support for strong internal consistency and content validity across many measures, face validity and clinical utility concerns were prevalent. Few measures comprehensively assessed suicidal behaviors, and interview-based assessments tended to show the strongest psychometric properties and clinical utility. Findings are discussed in the context of recommendations for improving existing measures, including future research to increase utility and translatability across clinical settings, delivery methods, and diverse populations. •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are prevalent and clinically concerning.•Quality clinical care and research depends on reliable and valid STB measures.•Systematic reviews of measurement properties of existing STB measures are needed.•Interview-based assessments tended to show strongest psychometric properties.•This review reveals a critical need for psychometrically sound self-report measures.