2881 – The interpersonal theory of suicide: a french version of the interpersonal needs questionnaire

Abstract

The role of social factors in suicidal behaviour is long established. There is growing evidence supporting the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS), as developed by Joiner et al., which postulates that two psychological dimensions linked to thwarted fundamental interpersonal needs, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness are linked to the onset of suicidal desire. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) has been designed to assess those dimensions for use in research on the aetiology of suicidal behaviour and as a component of risk assessment in clinical settings. There is currently no available French version. Our objective was to provide a French adaptation of the INQ. We translated the INQ, and then examined the construct validity of INQ-F in a clinical setting. The INQ was translated and administered to 50 patients admitted for suicide attempt or suicidal ideation. Scales with validated French versions were used to assess the following dimensions: suicide risk (Ducher Suicide Risk Assessment Scale (RSD), depression (BDI-SF and MADRS), hopelessness (Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and social vulnerability (EPICES). INQ-F was significantly correlated with suicide risk (rho= .737, p < .001), depression, hopelessness and social isolation. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = .9137). Our results support the construct validity of the INQ-F, although complementary studies are needed to further establish it, as well as the relevance of the ITS for suicide risk assessment in clinical settings.