President's Showcase
Robert Rice he/they
Supervising Professor: Thomas E. Joiner
Robert Rice is currently a junior, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a double minor in sociology and religion – they are set to graduate Fall 2025. He has been involved in the Thomas Joiner Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide Related Conditions and Behaviors as an Undergraduate Research Assistant since January 2023. Their primary research interests include escapism in relation to suicidality (the focus of their honors project), transpersonal psychology, and the psychotherapeutic applications of psychedelics/entheogens. After graduating, they plan on serving in the Peace Corps in South America for 2 years. Following this, they will pursue a Master of Social Work Program to become a therapist!
Abstract
Limited preliminary data exists regarding the relationship between escapism and suicidal ideation (see Baumeister, 1990). There is indirect research regarding this relationship – the integrated motivational volitional model of suicide emphasizes entrapment’s role in the formation of suicidal ideations (O’Connor, 2018) – feelings of entrapment precede the desire to escape. The current study investigates the relationship between escapism and suicidal ideations through a correlational qualitative design, with externalizing behaviors examined as a potential moderator. The objectives are to examine the nature of escapism experienced by marginalized young adults, evaluate existing conceptualizations of the relationship between escapism and suicide, and understand how the relationship fits within the minority stress model. The study aims to develop a taxonomy of escapism, based on empirical work, through the collection of qualitative data using focus groups. The study is expected to have approximately 50 participants; the target population is members of the Tallahassee community. Recruitment will be through word-of-mouth and posters hung throughout FSU’s campus. The focus groups are expected to take approximately an hour; participants will be asked to discuss experiences pertaining to the desire to escape, alongside their thoughts on the perspective of suicide as a form of escapism. Data collection is currently ongoing. The results of this study will contribute to research pertaining to novel underlying processes in the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in minority populations, and will go on to inform future clinical interventions.
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