Exploring the relationship between suicide vulnerability, impulsivity and executive functioning during COVID-19: A longitudinal analysis

Public health emergencies increase the presence and severity of multiple suicide risk factors and thus may increase suicide vulnerability. Understanding how suicide risk factors interact throughout the course of a global pandemic can inform how to help the most vulnerable groups in society. The aims of the research were to explore the associations between, and changes in, suicide vulnerability, COVID-related stress, worry, rumination, executive functioning and impulsivity across the first 6 weeks of the UK COVID-19 lockdown (1st April – 17th May, 2020). 418 adults in the UK completed an online survey at three time points during the first lockdown (Time 1 (1st - 5th April), Time 2 (15th – 19th April), Time 3 (13th – 17th May)). Impulsivity and executive functioning remained stable across the first six weeks of UK lockdown. COVID-related stress, worry, and rumination decreased throughout the 6 weeks. Suicide vulnerability was associated with greater impulsivity and poorer executive functioning. Sub-group analysis revealed individuals vulnerable to suicide reported worse COVID-related stress, poorer executive function and greater impulsivity than individuals who reported no suicide vulnerability. Individuals vulnerable to suicide appear to have experienced poorer executive functioning, greater impulsivity and COVID-related stress in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.