B - 47 Attentional Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: a Synthesis of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective Theory suggests that attentional processes, such as attentional bias and attentional control, may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Specifically, among individuals with suicidal ideation, attentional biases towards suicide-related information may increase distress. This combined with the inability to disengage and shift attention away from suicidal thoughts (i.e., deficits in attentional control) might contribute to increased risk for suicidal behavior. Despite this, there has been limited research examining associations between attentional biases and STBs or attentional control and STBs. Method We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms used to identify articles included: (“attention* bias” or “attentional control”) AND (suicid*). The search returned 77 articles, 49 when duplicates were removed. Following full text reviews, a total of 16 articles were retained for meta-analysis. Results A significant relationship was observed between attentional bias and STBs (r = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.15), but not attentional control and STBs (r = −0.07, 95% CI: −0.24, 0.10). The funnel plot for attentional bias and STBs suggested low risk of publication bias. The limited number of studies identified, and therefore low power, precluded moderator analyses from being conducted. Conclusions Additional experimental and longitudinal research with diverse assessments of attentional risk factors (e.g., dot probe, eye tracking) is needed. Despite these limitations, the present study provides preliminary evidence for the association between attentional bias and STBs.