The Suicide Dot Probe Task: Psychometric properties and validity in relation to suicide‐related outcomes

Abstract Background Attentional biases to suicide‐related stimuli have been linked to suicide‐related outcomes. However, behavioral tasks that have been previously modified to capture suicide‐specific attentional biases have demonstrated inconsistent reliability and validity. Adaptation of the Dot Probe Task, a computerized assessment that has been adapted to study a wide variety of biases, may be a promising candidate for assessing suicide‐specific biases. Methods In 280 recently discharged inpatients (51% male; M age = 40.22 years), we evaluated the psychometric properties of a modified Suicide Dot Probe Task. Participants completed this task and assessments of suicidal thoughts and behaviors at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Results The Suicide Dot Probe Task demonstrated poor‐to‐moderate internal consistency and poor test‐retest reliability, and participant response times were slower to suicide‐specific and dysphoric stimuli than positive stimuli. However, there were no differences based on the presence or characteristics of recent or lifetime suicidal ideation or attempts. Participants' suicide‐specific biases were not predictive of suicidal ideation or attempts at follow‐up. Conclusions The Suicide Dot Probe Task exhibited questionable reliability, and differences in attentional biases were not associated with suicidal ideation or attempts. This study contributes to a body of research demonstrating the questionable utility of several behavioral tasks to study suicide‐specific attentional biases.