Abstract
The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) is one of the most intensively researched contemporary theories on the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour. However, there is a lack of carefully conducted prospective studies. To evaluate the main predictions of the IPTS regarding the importance of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide in predicting future suicide attempts in a prospective design. Psychiatric in-patients (n = 308; 53.6% (n = 165) female; mean age 36.82 years, s.d. = 14.30, range 18-81) admitted for severe suicidal ideation (n = 145, 47.1%) or a suicide attempt completed self-report measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, capability for suicide, hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation as well as interviews on suicide intent and suicide attempts and were followed up for 12 months. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were conducted. The interaction of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide was not predictive of future suicide attempts, but perceived burdensomeness showed a significant main effect (z = 3.49, P < 0.01; OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.59-3.58) and moderate performance in screening for future suicide attempts (area under the curve AUC = 0.729, P < 0.01). The results challenge the theoretical validity of the IPTS and its clinical utility - at least within the methodological limitations of the current study. Yet, findings underscore the importance of perceived burdensomeness in understanding suicidal ideation and behaviour.
Highlights
MethodsPsychiatric in-patients (n = 308; 53.6% (n = 165) female; mean age 36.82 years, s.d
The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) is one of the most intensively researched contemporary theories on the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour
The results challenge the theoretical validity of the IPTS and its clinical utility – at least within the methodological limitations of the current study
Summary
Psychiatric in-patients (n = 308; 53.6% (n = 165) female; mean age 36.82 years, s.d. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were conducted. An a priori power analysis using GPower 3.1 for Windows was conducted with α = 0.05, β = 0.95 and f = 0.15, which resulted in a minimal sample size of n = 195. A total of 531 patients were approached, of whom 72 did not fulfil the inclusion criteria and 151 refused to participate. The remaining 308 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria and agreed to participate (53.6% female (n = 165); mean age 36.82 years, s.d. The most common main diagnoses (including comorbidity) according to ICD-1021 were affective disorders (F3: n = 235; 76.3%), neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F4: n = 110, 35.71%) and personality disorders (F6, n = 76, 24.68%)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
