Connectedness and Perceived Burdensomeness among Adolescents at Elevated Suicide Risk: An Examination of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

Objective The interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior emphasizes the constructs of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capacity, which warrant investigation in adolescents at-risk for suicide due to interpersonal stressors. Methods This study examined one component of the interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior, “suicidal desire” (suicidal ideation), in 129 adolescents (12–15 years) recruited from a general medical emergency department who screened positive for bully victimization, bully perpetration, or low interpersonal connectedness. Results Greater perceived burdensomeness combined with low family connectedness was a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. Conclusion This suggests the importance of addressing connectedness and perceptions of burdensomeness in prevention and early intervention efforts with at-risk adolescents.

Perceived burdensomeness, bullying, and suicidal ideation in suicidal military personnel

“…One meta-analysis reported that 57% of bullying victims report symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) above cut-off thresholds (Nielsen, Nielsen, Notelaers, & Einarsen, 2015). Opperman, Czyz, Gipson, and King (2015) conducted a study with adolescents who were experiencing interpersonal problems such as bully victimization, bully perpetration, and/or low interpersonal connectedness. Opperman, Czyz, Gipson, and King (2015) conducted a study with adolescents who were experiencing interpersonal problems such as bully victimization, bully perpetration, and/or low interpersonal connectedness.…”

Protective Role of Religious Involvement Against Depression and Suicidal Ideation Among Youth with Interpersonal Problems

“…Specifically, these authors found that higher scores on a psychotherapist-rated scale of expendability, or a sense of being unwanted and/or a burden on their families, differentiated adolescents with suicidal ideation or history of attempts from other adolescents (Woznica & Shapiro, 1990). Lastly, providing first evidence about the applicability of IPTS to an adolescent population, Opperman and colleagues reported that low sense of belongingness with family combined with high perceived burdensomeness was associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents recruited from an emergency department (Opperman, Czyz, Gipson, & King, in press). We are building on this and other existing work by testing all three IPTS components using a prospective design in a sample of acutely suicidal adolescents.…”

Adolescent Suicide Attempt Prevention: Predictors of Response to a Cognitive–Behavioral Family and Youth Centered Intervention

“…Despite limited evidence on effective treatments for suicidality and SH in youth, recent data support the efficacy of cognitivebehavioral treatments with strong family components for reducing SA risk (Iyengar et al, 2018;Ougrin, Tranah, Stahl, Moran, & Asarnow, 2015). Integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (I-CBT; Esposito-Smythers, Spirito, Kahler, Hunt, & Monti, 2011) for adolescents with comorbid suicidality and substance abuse was associated with a lower SA rate compared with treatment as usual (TAU).…”

“…Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was shown to be superior to active comparator conditions in reducing SH (SAs and NSSI) in two independent studies with adolescents (McCauley et al, 2018;Mehlum et al, 2014), and in reducing SAs in one study (McCauley et al, 2018). Other treatments have been shown to reduce overall SH, suicidal ideation (SI), and overall suicidality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized trials (Iyengar et al, 2018;Ougrin et al, 2015).…”