A Trait-Interpersonal Perspective on Suicide Risk in Criminal Offenders

Abstract

Despite elevated rates of suicide among offenders, research has yet to adequately address theoretically driven risk models in this population. The present study addresses such a gap by investigating a synthesized framework using 2 well-developed theoretical models, the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality and the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS). Archival data from mitigation evaluations for pre-sentenced criminal offenders (n = 307) were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results supported a hypothesized personality-IPTS-suicide framework in which neuroticism and extraversion predict IPTS components, namely perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability. IPTS constructs subsequently directly and indirectly (via suicidal ideation) predicted suicide potential. Findings have important implications for suicide theory, research, and risk assessment with offenders.

Comparisons of Prisoners Who Make or Do Not Make Suicide Attempts and Further Who Make One or Multiple Attempts

“…Among 306 criminal offenders Cramer (2012) found that introversion predicted interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) components of burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability. Low resilience on the CD-RISC, as found here, has also been found to be associated with suicide attempts in depressed patients and resilience may be a protective factor mitigating the risk of suicidal behavior associated with childhood trauma (Roy, Carli, & Sarchiapone, 2011;Roy, Sarchiapone, & Carli, 2007).…”

A Trait‐Interpersonal Analysis of Suicide Proneness Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community Members

“…As aspects of the IPTS are both environmentally and biologically influenced (Van Orden et al., ), it stands to reason that personality traits (biological predispositions) may influence the manifestation of such constructs. Indeed, cross‐sectional empirical findings suggest that traits such as neuroticism are related to IPTS constructs (e.g., Cramer et al., ), suggesting the potential utility of a trait‐interpersonal perspective of suicide in furthering understanding of suicide proneness among sexual minorities.…”

“…Cramer et al. () addressed several of the limitations (specifically, integrated FFM–IPTS pathways and analysis of suicide‐related constructs) in a sample of Australian male offenders. The basic assumption of the trait‐interpersonal approach they employed is that, consistent with FFM theory (Costa & McCrae, ), personality traits impact, or contribute to, the presence or formation of IPTS constructs, which in turn lead to suicidal ideation and proneness.…”

Psychopathy, Depression, and Anxiety as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in Offenders

“…Identifying offenders with high physiological anxiety may also be helpful due to the increased levels of suicidal ideations associated with physiological anxiety, as demonstrated in the current study. In light of burgeoning literature on scales demonstrating value in offender populations (e.g., Cramer et al, 2012;Wang et al, 1997), it is plausible that the LSRP and PAI may be useful screening tools for suicide risk assessment with offenders. However, more research is needed in this area to fully validate these instruments for such purposes.…”

“…Moreover, suicide assessment still merits attention in nonclinical PREDICTORS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION IN OFFENDERS samples. For example, preincarcerated offenders (Cramer et al, 2012), college students (Cukrowicz, Smith, Hohmeister, & Joiner, 2009), and the elderly (Rocco, Orbitello, Ciano, Angarano, & Balestrieri, 2004) all have an elevated risk for suicide.…”