Examination of the motivational phase of the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicide in African Americans

Abstract

Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death in African American young adults. The Motivational Phase of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicide (IMV; O'Connor, 2011) may a beneficial model to examine suicide risk among African Americans. The aim of the proposed study was to investigate the Motivational Phase of the IMV among a sample of African American college students. It was hypothesized that entrapment would mediate the relationship between defeat and suicide ideation, brooding would strengthen the relationship between defeat and entrapment, and perceived burdensomeness would strengthen the relationship between entrapment and suicide ideation. Results of a moderated mediation analysis did not support the study's hypotheses. However, defeat demonstrated a positive direct effect on suicide ideation. These results imply the Motivational Phase of the IMV may not be an ideal model to examine suicide risk among African American college students.