The significance of the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicide in an oncological context—A scoping review

Abstract

Objectives Since individuals afflicted with cancer are at an elevated risk of dying by suicide, understanding suicide‐related ideation and behaviours is critical in identifying vulnerable patients. The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) provides a framework to research risk factors for suicide and has been validated in different samples. The aim of this scoping review is to study literature related to IPTS and cancer patients. Methods This scoping review was registered with the OPEN Science Framework (osf.io/92465). The databases PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and PubMed Central were searched. Eligible research needed to use a minimum of one psychometric element to measure at least one of the factors of the IPTS in individuals with cancer. Results Ninety‐six studies were identified and screened. Eligible research included individuals with cancer and the use of at least one measurement of at least one of the factors of the IPTS. Overall, four articles met the inclusion criteria and three studies found significant associations of components of the IPTS and suicidal ideation/behaviour. Conclusion While these initial findings support the notion that the IPTS is relevant for individuals with cancer as well, a direct validation of the IPTS in cancer patients is needed.

Predicting suicidal ideation based on meaning in life: Investigating the mediating roles of interpersonal needs and depression in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS

“…The physical condition caused by MS makes patients helpless, and they may need help from others to cope with the disease, so they feel like a burden. Findings from a variety of studies have shown that both thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness are related to suicidal ideation in patients with chronic diseases Campos et al, (2018), cancer Schomberg et al, (2021), and student populations (Kiani et al, 2019).…”

Suicide risk following a new cancer diagnosis among Veterans in Veterans Health Administration care

“… 8 A cancer diagnosis may represent a life event that triggers both interpersonal struggles, offers little hope for change in the future, and increases a patient's capability for suicide through an increase in pain tolerance and acceptance of death. 8 Cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment may diminish social engagement, reciprocal relationships, and perceived belonging, while the physical and financial strain of cancer may increase feelings of burdensomeness. Among cancer patients, physical stressors associated with suicidal behavior include pain, disfigurement, body‐image concerns, and dysfunction.…”

“…7 The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide posits that active suicidal desire is driven by the presence of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness that these interpersonal struggles will improve, while the capacity for suicidal behavior is an independent process driven by fearlessness and familiarity with pain. 8 A cancer diagnosis may represent a life event that triggers both interpersonal struggles, offers little hope for change in the future, and increases a patient's capability for suicide through an increase in pain tolerance and acceptance of death. 8 Cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment may diminish social engagement, reciprocal relationships, and perceived belonging, while the physical and financial strain of cancer may increase feelings of burdensomeness.…”