Interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior: A prospective analysis

Abstract

Suicide is both a national and global concern, yet limitations still remain in our knowledge of the pathways to suicide. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior is a recently proposed, comprehensive theory of suicidal behavior that seeks to address the limitations in our understanding of who dies by suicide. In the theory, the interpersonal constructs of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness combine to form the desire for suicide, while the construct of acquired capability provides the ability to engage in lethal self-harm. Previous research has supported this theoretical framework as it predicts suicidal behavior. The current study sought to expand on the previous literature by examining the three-way interaction of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability as it predicts suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior over three distinct time points spanning a time-frame of eight weeks. Results indicated that the three-way interaction predicted suicidal behavior proximally; however, the interaction did not predict suicidal ideation or behavior over time. Additionally, the current study sought to examine how proximal levels of hopelessness moderate the relationship between the interaction of perceived burdensomeness by thwarted belongingness and distal levels of suicidal ideation at eight weeks. The same hypothesis was proposed examining the relationship within a mediation analysis. Results did not find support for either the moderation analysis or the mediation analysis. Overall, the results of the current study found support for the central tenet of the theory. Clinical implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.