Interpersonal theory of suicide: prospective examination

Abstract

Background The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) is one of the most intensively researched contemporary theories on the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour. However, there is a lack of carefully conducted prospective studies. Aims To evaluate the main predictions of the IPTS regarding the importance of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide in predicting future suicide attempts in a prospective design. Method Psychiatric in-patients (n = 308; 53.6% (n = 165) female; mean age 36.82 years, s.d. = 14.30, range 18–81) admitted for severe suicidal ideation (n = 145, 47.1%) or a suicide attempt completed self-report measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, capability for suicide, hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation as well as interviews on suicide intent and suicide attempts and were followed up for 12 months. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were conducted. Results The interaction of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide was not predictive of future suicide attempts, but perceived burdensomeness showed a significant main effect (z = 3.49, P < 0.01; OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.59–3.58) and moderate performance in screening for future suicide attempts (area under the curve AUC = 0.729, P < 0.01). Conclusions The results challenge the theoretical validity of the IPTS and its clinical utility – at least within the methodological limitations of the current study. Yet, findings underscore the importance of perceived burdensomeness in understanding suicidal ideation and behaviour.

Child abuse and suicidality in the context of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide: A network analysis

“…The data were assessed within the scope of a prospective multicentre study named ‘Predictors of suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour in a high‐risk sample (PRESS)’ (Forkmann et al., 2020a, 2020b). The goal of the PRESS study was the identification of risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour.…”

Predicting suicidal ideation in a longitudinal high‐risk sample: Multilevel analyses and 12‐month trajectories

“…The current study is part of a longitudinal, multicenter study on risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts called “Predictors of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in a high‐risk sample (PRESS)” (Forkmann, Glaesmer, Paashaus, Rath, Schönfelder, Juckel, et al, 2020; Forkmann, Glaesmer, Paashaus, Rath, Schönfelder, Stengler, et al, 2020). The total sample comprised 308 inpatients (53.6% female; age: M = 36.9, SD = 14.3) being admitted to a hospital due to severe suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt (T0).…”

Suicide ideation and psychosocial distress among refugee adolescents in Bidibidi settlement in West Nile, Uganda

“…This paper draws on the interpersonal theory of suicidal behaviour (IPTS) [ 39 ]. The IPTS is one of the most theories used to understand suicide behaviour [ 40 ]. The theory posits that two conditions (proximal factors) must be present for suicide ideation to happen: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness).…”