Perceived Burdensomeness as an Indicator of Suicidal Symptoms

Abstract

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior proposes precursors to serious suicidality, including the perception that one is a burden on loved ones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association of perceived burdensomeness and key suicide-related variables in 343 adult outpatients of the Florida State University Psychology Clinic (187 female; 156 male). Participants completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation and the Beck Depression Inventory, as well as items on perceived burdensomeness and hopelessness. Perceived burdensomeness remained a significant predictor of suicidality indicators (i.e., attempt status and BSSI scores) above and beyond the contribution one of the most robust predictors of suicidality, hopelessness. Results suggest that both burdensomeness and hopelessness display predictive power with regards to suicidal behavior and that perceived burdensomeness displayed the signature of a resilient suicide risk factor. Thus, targeting perceived burdensomeness in the assessment of suicidal behavior may aid in treatment and prevention efforts.

Suicide notes: clinical and linguistic analysis from the perspective of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

“…This result does not agree with those of earlier studies, possibly because in those studies this capability was estimated by taking more va riables into account 10 . We also found no correlation between content referring to the "feeling like a burden" factor and older age 8 , possibly due to the scarcity of individuals in our sample older than 61 years (18.75%). We found no relationship between the "lack of belonging" factor and youth in the notes 29 or between this factor and living with a partner or not at the time of death.…”

“…The presence of this factor is a predictor of suicide symptoms, previous suicide attempts and increased suicide risk, independent of other risk factors such as depressive symptoms, hopelessness and personality disorders. This factor occurs more often in elderly individuals, which is useful for understanding suicidal ideation in this population group 8 . Its interaction with the acquired capability to carry out suicide predicts an increase in suicide risk, beyond the influence of other factors such as depression, gender and age 9 .…”

Family Relationships and Suicide Ideation: The Mediating Roles of Anxiety, Hopelessness, and Depression in Adolescents

“…On the contrary, according to interpersonal-psychological theory, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness are presumed to be distinct but related constructs. Perceptions of burdensomeness cannot preclude the need to belong (26). Therefore, further research is needed to explore the relationship of conflict with various other family characteristics.…”

The interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicidal behavior: current status and future directions

“…With respect to perceived burdensomeness, the relationship has been found in a variety of samples, including undergraduates, individuals who attempted or died by suicide, methadone outpatients, and psychotherapy outpatients (Van Orden, Witte, Gordon, Bender, & Joiner, 2008a;Van Orden, Lynam, Hollar, & Joiner, 2006;Conner, Britton, Sworts, & Joiner, 2007;Joiner et al, 2002). Evidence for the positive association between the desire for suicide and thwarted belongingness has also been found in a diverse range of samples, including undergraduates, adults who attempted or died by suicide, and methadone outpatients (Van Orden et al, 2008a;Van Orden et al, 2007;Conner et al, 2007;Van Orden, Witte, James, et al, 2008b;Joiner et al, 2002). Further support can be taken from indirect evidence.…”