(PS8-19) A Multi-modal Investigation of Self-dehumanization: Testing Longitudinal Associations Between Self-dehumanization, Oxytocin, and Suicide Risk

Abstract Text: Self-dehumanization (i.e., the internalized perception of non-humanness) is a phenomenon emphasized in social psychology, but it is somewhat absent from clinical psychology research, assessment, and practice. Nevertheless, preliminary research suggests self-dehumanization is associated with negative mental health outcomes including increased suicide risk. As self-dehumanization is socially contingent (i.e., in- versus out-group status), there is speculation that oxytocin may play a critical role in the development and maintenance of self-dehumanization. Thus, this study seeks to longitudinally investigate the neurobiological, social, and psychological experiences of a highly self-dehumanized group (n = 35) and compare them first to those low in self-dehumanization (n = 35), then second to those low in self-dehumanization with at least one minoritized identity (n = 35). It is hypothesized that those high in self-dehumanization will have lower oxytocin, and higher suicidal ideation, compared to both groups low in self-dehumanization. Additionally, this study will explore whether oxytocin may partially mediate the relationship between self-dehumanization at T1 and suicidal ideation at T2, controlling for suicidal ideation at T1. Results suggest no group differences in oxytocin levels. Significant mean differences on current suicidal ideation were identified between the high self-dehumanized group and low self-dehumanized group (mean difference=1.10, p=.027), but not between the high SDS and low SDS with at least one minoritized identity (mean difference=0.88, p=.092). Results replicated at the second time point. Further, High self-dehumanization at T1 was significantly predictive of suicidal ideation at T2 controlling for ideation at T1 (b = 0.73, p = .027). Regarding within-group change, preliminary results suggest that both self-dehumanization and oxytocin are trait based, which stands to reason given that there is no intervention. This result is relevant to construct validity providing evidence that self-dehumanization and oxytocin are relatively stable, at least over the short term. Finally, oxytocin did not partially mediate the relationship between self-dehumanization and suicidal ideation, however, these results are trending in the hypothesized directions. Taken together, these findings provide information regarding future avenues for ethical experimental induction and reduction of self-dehumanization through therapeutic interventions (e.g., those involving rehumanization and intranasal oxytocin).