The moderating role of pessimism in the association between retrospective relational peer victimization, interpersonal risk factors, and suicide ideation

Abstract

Peer victimization (PV) is a serious concern for youth and is associated with subsequent suicide ideation in young adulthood. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide a framework for understanding suicide ideation in this population. Specifically, thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) have been significantly associated with suicide ideation among young adults with a history of peer victimization. Additionally, the personality trait of pessimism is associated with elevated suicide ideation. Thus, this study tested the association between selfreported frequency of retrospective relational (i.e., verbal and indirect) PV in primary and secondary school, thwarted interpersonal needs (TB and PB), and current suicide ideation, as well as how these relations may vary based on current pessimism.Participants were 330 undergraduate students. Nonparametric bootstrap moderated mediation procedures were used to test hypotheses. Results indicated significant indirect effects of frequency of retrospective relational PV and suicide ideation through PB and TB. Contrary to predictions, results did not indicate significant moderated mediation; however, the association between PB and suicide ideation was stronger at lower pessimism levels. We also provide supplemental analysis with optimism as the moderator. These findings suggest that clinicians may consider targeting TB, PB, as well as pessimism and optimism among those with a history of relational PV when assessing and intervening on current suicide ideation. Implications, limitations, and future directions are further discussed.

The Relationship Between Chronic Pain, Depression, Psychosocial Factors, and Suicidality in Adolescents

“…Data analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Based on prior research that has used proxy variables to measure the constructs of the ITS, peer victimization was used as a proxy variable for thwarted belongingness, 15 whereas lack of fear of pain was used as a proxy variable for acquired capability for suicide. 11…”

“…13 This can be caused by poor social relationships, loneliness, social withdrawal, and peer victimization. [13][14][15] Perceived burdensomeness is an individual's belief that he or she has become a source of hardship to those around them and that others might be better off without them. 13 Acquired capability refers to habituation and fearlessness to painful and fear-inducing stimuli and lack of fear of pain.…”

“…Thwarted belongingness refers to an individual experiencing an unmet need for social connection 13. This can be caused by poor social relationships, loneliness, social withdrawal, and peer victimization 13–15. Perceived burdensomeness is an individual’s belief that he or she has become a source of hardship to those around them and that others might be better off without them 13.…”