The malleability of beliefs in the genetics of suicide: an intervention study with the beliefs in the inheritance of risk factors for suicide scale (BIRFSS).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous research has documented that disbelief in the genetics of suicide prevails. OBJECTIVES: This study examined for the first time the malleability of such beliefs and their internal structure, using the Beliefs in the Inheritance of Risk Factors for Suicide Scale (BIRFSS). METHODS: A sample of 38 Austrian first-year psychology students (27 women, 11 men), previously not exposed to the topic, studied a recent overview article on the genetics of suicide as a self-paced exercise. Exposure to the contents of the article was evaluated with a subjective self-report measure and with an objective quiz. RESULTS: Validity checks were suggestive for a successful implementation of the intervention. Compared with baseline data 4 months prior to the intervention, evaluation of the intervention showed that participants held significantly stronger beliefs (Cohen's d = 1.41) in the genetics of suicide which also were more coherent. CONCLUSIONS: Disbelief in the genetics of suicide is modifiable. Study limitations, directions for future research, and practical implications are discussed.