Cognition and suicide

Central to addressing what motivates an individual to consider and act upon suicidal impulses is furthering our understanding of the processes and content of the cognitions which precede suicidal ideation and behaviors. Aspects of social and neurocognition are among the most salient risk factors for suicide, and include our perceptions of ourselves and our future, our beliefs about how we believe we measure up to the standards set by ourselves and others, and how adept we are at solving interpersonal dilemmas. This chapter provides an overview of key cognitive risk factors, process-oriented models, and related approaches to treating suicidal symptoms from a cognitive perspective.