Gender and the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide: A Three-Way Interaction Between Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Gender

Abstract

Few studies have examined the role of gender in the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide. Aims: The present study evaluated whether the three-way interaction between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and gender was significantly associated with suicidal ideation in an ethno-racially diverse adolescent inpatient sample. Method: Data were drawn from a cross-sectional sample of 311 inpatients (63.3% girls) ages 12 to 17 years (M =14.74, SD = 1.49). Findings indicated that the three-way interaction was significant: Among girls, thwarted belongingness was associated with suicidal ideation only at low levels of perceived burdensomeness. Among boys, thwarted belongingness was associated with suicidal ideation only at high levels of perceived burdensomeness. Data were cross-sectional, precluding causal conclusions, and the use of a clinical sample may not generalize to nonclinical populations. Findings have implications for the development of efficacious suicide prevention initiatives for...