| Research has consistently demonstrated the association between drug use and poor emotional decision making. However, little is known about the psychological components that contribute to the emotional decision-making process. The current study aimed to assess two of the assumptions of the somatic marker hypothesis, which are: (1) reasoning and decision-making depend on the availability of knowledge about situations and options for actions and outcomes (Bechara et al., 2000), and (2) the individual must be capable of making this knowledge explicit in order to make effective decisions. In addition, the current study aimed to apply research on emotional decision making to another problem of volition: suicidality. Lastly, the current study attempted to replicate research that has found significant associations between suicidality, coping, and autobiographical memory, but in a homeless population.;Results indicated that, like previous studies of coping and suicidality, homeless young adult injection drug users who utilized maladaptive coping mechanisms were more suicidal. Additionally, individuals with more specific autobiographical memories were better able to utilize adaptive coping mechanisms. However, they displayed higher levels of suicidality. This latter finding was found to be moderated by gender, with females displaying higher levels of suicidality in the presence of more specific negative autobiographical memories. Lastly, more adaptive emotional decision making predicted higher levels of suicide ideation, which was contrary to predictions. However, with further exploration, it was found that strong emotional decision-making acted as a buffer against attempting suicide in those who were ideating. These results have important implications for assessment and treatment of suicidal patients. |
