Should suicidal ideation be regarded as a dimension, a unipolar trait or a mixture? A model-based analysis at the score level

Abstract Screening questionnaires administered in community samples may allow to early identify suicidal ideation (S.I.). Although the results found these suggest that S.I. behaves like a unipolar trait or quasi-trait, it is routinely assessed using procedures developed for bipolar traits. Therefore, main aim of this study determine whether there basis modelling as trait, quasi-trait with two classes individuals (symptomatic and asymptomatic). In sample mainly at scoring level, we compare provided by fitting three models based on different assumptions: GRM (bipolar traits), LL-GRM (unipolar traits) FMA (quasi-traits). 773 Spanish participants answered life satisfaction questionnaires. equivalent structural but not especially conditional marginal accuracy estimated scores. While scores are highly accurate only narrow range well above mean, much wider around mean. They also have implications prediction satisfaction. an asymptomatic symptomatic class could be clearly differentiated. conclusion, would make possible accurately measure larger number subjects than GRM, leaving fewer cases vulnerable people unidentified. These should considered researchers professionals when deciding which modellings use screening purposes.