Background. Previous research has shown that
parasuicides' view of the future is characterized
by an absence of anticipation of positive experiences rather than the
presence of anticipation of
negative experiences. The present study aimed to replicate this
finding and examine whether it
would also be found in parasuicides who were not depressed.
Method. Depressed parasuicides (N=27), non-depressed
parasuicides (N=17) and matched
controls (N=34) were assessed on their anticipation of
future positive and negative experiences
using an adapted fluency paradigm, where they were given a set time
to generate future positive and negative anticipated experiences.
Results. Consistent with previous findings,
parasuicides showed an overall reduced anticipation
of positive experiences and no overall increased anticipation
of negative experiences. However,
the parasuicides did show evidence of increased negative anticipation
for the immediate future.
The results for depressed and non-depressed parasuicides
were essentially the same.
Conclusion. Lack of positive anticipation in the absence
of increased negative anticipation is a
feature of parasuicide. Although this lack of positive anticipation
can occur in depression, it
appears to be an independent feature of parasuicide.