Research Symposium

BIO

Peyton McGonigal is a first-year student at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Social Work, along with a minor in Sociology. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Peyton grew up as a military child, which exposed her to diverse communities and perspectives from an early age. She graduated high school with significant dual enrollment coursework, allowing her to begin college with a strong academic foundation. Peyton currently maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to graduate in Summer 2028.

Peyton is involved in undergraduate research through the Joiner Lab at Florida State University, where she works as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under the mentorship of Sara Prostko. In this role, she assists with research focused on mental health and suicide prevention, including editing research protocols to meet IRB standards, contributing to grant proposal materials, and supporting data collection for virtual reality studies involving suicide risk assessments. She also participates in Florida State University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where she attends workshops on research ethics, communication, and data management while contributing to ongoing lab projects. Peyton presented her research at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference and plans to continue presenting at additional research symposia.

Outside of academics, Peyton is involved in several campus organizations focused on psychology and mental health, and she is also a member of the Seminole Scuba Club. After earning her degrees, Peyton plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and obtain clinical licensure, with the goal of working in a drug rehabilitation center.

The Cross-sectional Relationship Between Substance Use and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Abstract

Over 10 million Americans experience suicidal thoughts each year. Alcohol use is common and increases suicide risk, but the exact connection between substance use and suicidal thoughts is still not fully understood. Research shows alcohol is involved in about 20% of suicide deaths. However, few studies have examined how substance use connects to suicide theories like the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide.
The theory posits that the presence of thwarted belongingness (i.e., loneliness and isolation) or perceive burdensomeness (i.e., self-hatred and liability) lead to suicidal ideation. The combination and intractability of these states (i.e., interpersonal hopelessness) lead to intensified suicidal ideation (e.g., specific plans).
This study will follow people over time to examine how alcohol use relates to suicidal thoughts and these interpersonal factors. About 300 participants who have experienced suicidal thoughts within the past month will complete a baseline assessment and a one-month follow-up.
It is expected that our hypothesis will be supported with a complex relationship between alcohol use and suicide ideation. It is also expected that interpersonal factors may influence this relationship, meaning individuals with higher interpersonal distress may experience more severe suicidal thoughts. These findings may help improve screening, prevention, and treatment for people at risk of suicide.

Keywords: Suicide, Alcohol, Substance use, Interpersonal