Perceptions of romantic partners' responses to disclosures of suicidality

Abstract

This mixed‐methods study examines how adults in the United States perceive their romantic partner's response to disclosures of suicidality and how romantic relationship characteristics relate to perceptions of disclosure responses. Participants (N = 30) recruited from Reddit completed a survey using open‐ and closed‐ended questions about disclosing suicidality to a romantic partner. Qualitative findings highlight validating and invalidating disclosure responses. Validating responses include two subthemes: (a) emotional, nondirective support, and (b) instrumental, directive support. Invalidating responses are coded when partners are dismissive or display lack of concern. Meta‐inferences from qualitative and quantitative findings reveal associations between participants who perceive their partners' responses as (in)validating and multiple romantic relationship characteristics. Our findings have implications about supporting individuals struggling with suicidality and their romantic partners.

Characteristics of and Circumstances Associated With Female Intimate Partner Problem-Included Suicides: Analysis of Data From the National Violent Death Reporting System (2003–2019)

“…Additionally, social support is a critical protective factor preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Compounding the effects of IPP, women’s relational problems with other family and friends might increase isolation, cutting off the possibility of seeking help from loved ones (Love et al, 2021; Wolford-Clevenger et al, 2019). This finding suggests that intervention efforts aimed at increasing women’s economic efficacy and social networks, which alleviate women’s financial problems and social isolation, may in turn be a form of suicide prevention.…”

“…Notably, women struggling with IPP mostly tend to share their suicidal ideations with their partners. While this study was not designed to determine how intimate partners responded to such disclosures among these suicide victims, studies have found that invalidating responses toward suicide disclosure, including dismissing the suicidal partner’s emotional experiences, downplaying the severity of their suicidality, or devaluing of the suicidal partner or the relationship, lead to worse outcomes (Love et al, 2021). These types of partner responses have the potential to intensify suicidal partners’ feelings of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (Van Orden et al, 2010), increasing the risk of suicide.…”

“…On the other hand, individuals with poor health, previous suicidal ideation, and severe psychological distress are more likely to share their suicidal ideation with others (Calear & Batterham, 2019; Husky et al, 2016; Mérelle et al, 2018). Depending on the reaction received, disclosers may either feel supported or more isolated and rejected, which can potentially reinforce suicidal ideation (Love et al, 2021). The patterns of suicidal ideation disclosure have never been specifically examined in a population of women dealing with IPP.…”

The importance of romantic relationships in preventing suicide

“…Ideally, disclosing to one's romantic partner will generate social support and help (e.g., calling emergency services if necessary; Frey et al, 2018;Frey et al, 2016b). Validating responses from a romantic partner most commonly include listening and expressing care and concern (Love et al, 2021). Unfortunately, many individuals experience negative reactions following the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even from romantic partners (Frey et al, 2016a).…”

“…Unfortunately, many individuals experience negative reactions following the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even from romantic partners (Frey et al, 2016a). Among individuals who disclosed suicidal thoughts or behaviors to a romantic partner, 41% reported stigmatizing reactions, such as being judged (Frey et al, 2016a) and 20% reported an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors after disclosing (Love et al, 2021). Among a sample of veterans who had attempted suicide, the reported least helpful disclosure of their suicide attempt was most frequently with a romantic partner (Ammerman et al, 2020).…”