Predicting self-injurious thoughts in daily life using ambulatory assessment of state cognition

Self-injurious thoughts (SITs) fluctuate considerably from moment to moment. As such, “static” and temporally stable predictors (e.g., demographic variables, prior history) are suboptimal in predicting imminent SITs. This concern is particularly true for “online” cognitive abilities, which important understanding SITs, but typically measured using tests selected temporal stability. Advances ambulatory assessments (i.e., real-time assessment a naturalistic environment) allow measuring cognition with improved resolution. The present study relationships between “state” performance, an ambulatory-based Trail Making Test, Self-reported state hope social connectedness was also measured. Data were collected specially designed mobile application (administered 4x/week up 28 days) substance use inpatients (N = 99). Consistent literature, significantly associated Importantly, poorer performance predicted independent of hallmark static self-report risk variables. These findings highlight the potential importance predict Ambulatory recording reflects efficient, sensitive, ecological valid methodology evaluating subjective objectives