Characterizing Moment-to-Moment Variability in Readiness to Live: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Investigation of Readiness to Live, Wish to Live, and Suicidal Desire.

Abstract

Introduction: Readiness to live (RTL) is a protective factor against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It encompasses one's motivation to live and take steps towards staying alive. It is relatively stable, predicting lower odds of suicidal ideation at one- to 6-month follow-ups. However, little is known about its short-term stability. Research is needed to describe the construct and compare it to similar protective factors, like wish to live (WTL).

Methods: College undergraduates (N = 51), selectively recruited for endorsing past 2-week suicidal desire, completed surveys (5/day for 10 days) on their smart phones. Descriptive and variability statistics of RTL, WTL, and suicidal desire were conducted. Multi-level models were used to determine if RTL is associated with suicidal desire concurrently and prospectively.

Results: 78.4% (n = 40) of participants indicated a change in RTL over the study period and RTL demonstrated greater stability than WTL and suicidal desire. RTL was associated with suicidal desire concurrently, but not prospectively, while WTL remained associated both concurrently and prospectively.

Limitations: The sample included only undergraduate college students, limiting generalizability to more diverse samples.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that RTL remains relatively stable over short time scales. While RTL and WTL are similar, the constructs are not redundant, with each providing unique information that may aid in treatment planning. Future research should replicate these findings in samples with more severe suicidal desire and extend them to suicidal behavior.