The more we understand about suicide, the more we can prevent it. AFSP-funded research is essential to our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Our research funding goes toward studies from neurobiological, psychosocial, and genetic perspectives, as well as topics including clinical treatment, community intervention, and survivors of suicide loss. Our grants help sponsor young investigators, engage senior researchers in suicide prevention, and foster new ideas from suicide researchers at all levels to build a scientific community.
Join us for an AFSP Research Connection Program with Dr. Maureen Zalewski, Ph.D., and doctoral student Eric Matsunaga, M.S
Pregnancy and motherhood are often assumed to protect against suicide risk. Although many mothers identify their children as powerful reasons for living, emerging research suggests that parenthood does not universally buffer against suicidal thoughts. For mothers already navigating mental health challenges, the transition to parenthood may heighten risk. Up to 33% of pregnant women report suicidal thoughts, and approximately 20% of deaths in the first postpartum year are due to suicide. These realities highlight gaps in our understanding of suicide risk during this period. The Suicidal Thoughts and Experiences in Pregnancy and Postpartum Study (STEPPS), an AFSP funded research project conducted from 2022 to 2024, followed 142 mothers from pregnancy through 4 months postpartum. Findings from STEPPS provide deeper insight into what mothers describe as their primary reasons for living, as well as how factors such as emotion regulation, relationship satisfaction, sleep quality, financial stressors, and maternal guilt influence perinatal suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Specifically, attendees will learn:
Key factors influencing suicide risk during pregnancy and postpartum, along with strengths and limitations of the current research base.
New findings from STEPPS research projects, highlighting mothers’ lived experiences and the psychological and contextual factors associated with perinatal suicidality.
Recommendations for supporting mothers who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pregnancy and postpartum, as well as key priorities for future research.
Learn more at afsp.org/research.
Watch video interviews of experts from around the world as they discuss their work and the future of suicide prevention research here.