Currently, most suicide research focuses on the individual. This study, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh, aims to understand how dynamics in romantic relationships may affect suicide risk in high-risk young adults by gathering information on participants’ emotional reactions and communication during conflict.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Romantic partners ages 18-35

• Either partner has had suicidal thoughts or engaged in suicidal behavior in the past four months

• Partners live together

• No intellectual disability

• No psychotic disorder

• No cardiovascular issues

• No major medical illnesses

During this study, we will gather information on participants’ emotional reactions and communication during conflict as potential factors that may influence the risk of suicide-related events over time.

Participants and their romantic partners will complete a series of study held virtually and on-site visits including:

• The Initial Screening (~10 minutes), where participants will be asked questions on suicidal thoughts and behaviors, major illnesses associated with aberrant cardiac function or organic central nervous system dysfunction, or life threatening conditions requiring immediate treatment
• A Clinical Assessment (~2.5 hours) conducted in the laboratory, where interviews and questionnaires will be administered to both participants and their romantic partners
• A Discussion Task (~30 minutes) conducted in the laboratory, where participants and their romantic parters will be recorded discussing a negative topic, defined as a problematic and important unresolved issue in their relationship
• Daily Life Assessments consisting of surveys and physiological recordings (4-8, 5-min surveys/day for 14 days, maximum of 112 surveys over 14 days)
• 4-month, 8-month and 12-month Follow-up Assessments (~90 minutes each)

Participants can receive up to $830 over the course of this study.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.