Thwarted Belongingness Research Articles

Personal Technology Use and Thwarted Belongingness Among Suicidal Active-Duty Military Personnel.

This study (a) provides descriptive information about the personal technology use of a suicide sample of active-duty military personnel and (b) uses a traditional and a technology-based measure of social connectedness to examine their relation to suicide ideation and behaviors. Higher thwarted belongingness, and therefore lower perceived social connectedness, was associated with higher current and worst suicide ideation and a greater lifetime self-directed violence regardless of intent to die. Higher social connectedness based on personal technology usage was associated with higher current suicide ideation and a higher number of lifetime self-directed violence and suicide attempts.

Role of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation in two adult samples

PurposeDespite evidence that violent daydreaming is a correlate of suicidal ideation, no research has examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide insight. This theory postulates that individuals with high suicidal desire experience intractable feelings of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). Violent daydreaming may fuel negative attitudes toward others and oneself and turn attention away from loved ones, thereby increasing feelings that one is a burden on others (PB) and socially disconnected (TB). However, no studies have tested TB and PB as explanatory mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between violent daydreaming, PB, TB, suicidal ideation, and depression in two samples (n=818).Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 was comprised of general undergraduates, and Study 2 selected for undergraduates with a history of ideation. Self-report measures were administered and indirect effects analyses were conducted.FindingsIn both studies, violent daydreaming was associated with increased feelings of PB, TB, and ideation severity. Consistent with the interpersonal theory, TB and PB were significant parallel mediators of the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation, beyond sex and age. In contrast to Study 1, results were no longer significant in Study 2 after accounting for depression.Originality/valueThis was the first study to test TB and PB as mechanisms underlying the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicide risk. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring and addressing violent daydreams and interpersonal functioning throughout treatment to mitigate risk.

The clinical application of suicide risk assessment: A theory‐driven approach

The 15-item Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (an assessment of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) should be incorporated into suicide risk assessment. Among psychiatric inpatients, greater thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, as separate predictors, were associated with increased levels of distress due to suicide ideation, desire for death, and desire for suicide. The highest scores on thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness indicated a 79% to 95% chance of experiencing an elevated level of distress due to suicide ideation, desire for death, or desire for suicide. Recommended clinical cutoff scores were provided. For example, thwarted belongingness cutoff score of 31 and perceived burdensomeness cutoff score of 22 maximized the sensitivity and specificity of the INQ to detect some level of desire for suicide.

Testing the main prediction of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in a representative sample of the German general population

ObjectiveTo evaluate the main prediction of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS): 3-way-interaction of perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and acquired capability (AC) for the prediction of suicidal behavior in a representative population sample. MethodA total of 2513 participants completed measures of suicidal behavior, TB, PB, acquired capability (AC-FAD), and symptoms of depression and anxiety. ResultsThe two-way-interaction of TB and PB, and the three-way interaction of TB, PB and AC-FAD predict suicidality. LimitationsGiven the cross-sectional nature of the data, conclusions on causality should be handled carefully. ConclusionThe main prediction of the IPTS has been proven in a general population sample.

The application of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide to a sample of Swiss patients attending a psychiatric emergency department for a non-lethal suicidal event

BackgroundVisits to emergency departments (EDs) for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt have increased in the past decades. Yet comprehensive models of suicide are scarce, potentially enhancing misunderstandings from health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) in a population visiting EDs for suicide-related issues. MethodsThree major hypotheses formulated by the IPTS were tested in a sample of 167 individuals visiting EDs for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. ResultsAs predicted by the IPTS, greater levels of perceived burdensomeness (PB) were associated with presence of current suicidal ideation. However, contrary to the theory assumptions, thwarted belongingness (TB) was not predictive of current suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 1). Similarly, the interaction between PB, TB and hopelessness did not account for the transition from passive to active suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 2). The interaction between active suicidal ideation and fearlessness of death did not either predict the transition from active suicidal ideation to suicidal intent (Hypothesis 3). LimitationsThe cross-sectional design limited the interpretation of causal hypotheses. Patients visiting EDs during nights and weekends were underrepresented. A general measure of hopelessness was considered, not a measure of hopelessness specifically related to PB and TB. ConclusionsAlthough the three hypotheses were only partially verified, health professionals might consider the IPTS as useful for the management of patient with suicide-related issues. Clinical intervention based on perceived burdensomeness could notably be proposed shortly after ED admission.

Cross-sectional and temporal association between non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation in young adults: The explanatory roles of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a strong predictor of suicidal ideation and attempts. Consistent with the interpersonal theory of suicide, preliminary evidence suggests that NSSI is associated with higher levels of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). However, no study to date has examined the cross-sectional and prospective relationships between NSSI, TB, PB, and suicidal ideation (SI). To fill this gap, this study examined the mediating role of TB and PB in the relationship between NSSI and SI at baseline and follow-up. Young adults (N=49) with and without histories of NSSI completed self-report measures of TB, PB, and SI at three time points over two months. NSSI history was associated with higher levels of PB, TB, and SI at all time points. TB and PB significantly accounted for the relationship between NSSI history and SI at baseline. However, the relationship between NSSI history and SI at follow-up was mediated by PB, not TB. Findings provide evidence for the roles of TB and PB in the relationship between NSSI and SI, and partial support for the interpersonal theory of suicide. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.

Evidence for the Propositions of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Among a Military Sample.

Although the interpersonal theory of suicide may explain the elevated suicide risk among military service members, past explorations have been equivocal. This study aimed to investigate the propositions of the interpersonal theory in a sample of U.S. Army recruiters. Participants (N = 3,428) completed self-report measures assessing the interpersonal theory's constructs (i.e., thwarted belongingness (TB), perceived burdensomeness (PB), acquired capability for suicide), current suicidal ideation, agitation, and insomnia. History of depression was obtained from medical records. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the interaction between TB and PB was associated with current suicidal ideation, controlling for depression, agitation, and insomnia. This effect was especially notable among those with high capability for suicide. Findings provide support for the interpersonal theory in a large, diverse military sample. It may be advantageous to assess and therapeutically address TB and PB among at-risk service members.

Belongingness and Burdensomeness in Adolescents: Slovene Translation and Validation of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire

The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) for assessing thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) has not been validated with community adolescents. We translated and administered the INQ to 307 Slovenian adolescents twice over 2-3months and found that the 15-item version (INQ-15) did not fit without modification. TB and PB scales correlated with concurrent and later suicide ideation and lifetime suicide attempt history. The latent PB factor was associated with concurrent and later ideation controlling for TB, age, gender, depressive symptoms, binge drinking, and peer victimization. Suicide ideation and binge drinking were independently related to attempt history. Assessing and intervening on PB and binge drinking may be promising approaches to suicide prevention with community adolescents.

The German version of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) – Dimensionality, psychometric properties and population-based norms

PurposeThe Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) assesses the two interpersonal constructs perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB) that lead to suicidal ideation, according to the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS). The present study investigates dimensionality and psychometric properties of the German version of the INQ in a population-based representative sample and delivers norm values. MethodsThe German INQ as well as measures of depression and past suicidality were administered to a population-based representative sample of the German general population (n=2513) to analyze its dimensionality and construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analysis. ResultsResults of the confirmatory factor analysis were in line with the assumption of two-dimensionality of the INQ. The two subscales showed very good internal consistencies (α≥0.89) as well as correlations with depression and suicidality that indicate convergent validity. There were no gender effects but slight age effects in the scores of both subscales. Population-based norms are provided. LimitationsConvergent validity was solely examined with measures of depression and suicidal thoughts instead of further suitable constructs like loneliness and social support. Divergent validity was not investigated in the study. ConclusionThe German version of the INQ shows good psychometric properties making it a promising tool for assessing PB and TB. The provided norms enable researchers to compare INQ scores of their samples with reference values of a population-based representative sample

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Applied to Male Prisoners

The interpersonal theory of suicide proposes that severe suicide ideation is caused by the combination of thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB), yet few studies have actually examined their interaction. Further, no studies have examined this proposal in male prisoners, a particularly at-risk group. To address this gap, the current study surveyed 399 male prisoners. TB and PB interacted to predict suicide ideation while controlling for depression and hopelessness. High levels of both TB and PB were associated with more severe suicide ideation. The interpersonal theory may aid in the detection, prevention, and treatment of suicide risk in prisoners.

A prospective examination of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior among psychiatric adolescent inpatients.

The challenge of identifying suicide risk in adolescents, and particularly among high-risk subgroups such as adolescent inpatients, calls for further study of models of suicidal behavior that could meaningfully aid in the prediction of risk. This study examined how well the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior (IPTS)--with its constructs of thwarted belongingness (TB), perceived burdensomeness (PB), and an acquired capability (AC) for lethal self-injury--predicts suicide attempts among adolescents (N = 376) 3 and 12 months after hospitalization. The three-way interaction between PB, TB, and AC, defined as a history of multiple suicide attempts, was not significant. However, there were significant 2-way interaction effects, which varied by sex: girls with low AC and increasing TB, and boys with high AC and increasing PB, were more likely to attempt suicide at 3 months. Only high AC predicted 12-month attempts. Results suggest gender-specific associations between theory components and attempts. The time-limited effects of these associations point to TB and PB being dynamic and modifiable in high-risk populations, whereas the effects of AC are more lasting. The study also fills an important gap in existing research by examining IPTS prospectively.

Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults

This study evaluated the structure and validity of the use of the 18-item Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-18), a measure of thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB), among older adults. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 284; mean age = 73 years; age range = 64-96 years; 56% women) anonymously completed a questionnaire packet. Principal axis factor analysis indicated that two factors should be retained. Items in the first factor reflected the concept of TB, whereas items in the second factor were consistent with the concept of PB. Both factors had medium-to-large positive correlations with hopelessness, depression, suicide ideation, and low meaning in life, providing evidence for convergent validity. Findings from this study support the use of the INQ-18 among community-dwelling older adults.

The clinical utility of a brief measure of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness for the detection of suicidal military personnel

Perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB) are important indicators of suicide risk; however, limited research has investigated applicability to military populations, and no efforts have been initiated to translate these constructs into easily implemented clinical tools. The current study examined the structure and validity of a brief self-report survey of PB and TB, the 10-item Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-10), among a sample of 219 deployed military personnel. Factor analysis confirmed that PB and TB are distinct, and are correlated with psychiatric symptomatology. Receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated the most useful cutoff scores were PB=1 and TB=3.2. Both scales significantly improved the ability to rule-in and rule-out current suicide ideation among deployed service members.