Physical Disability and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Abstract

Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs were examined in individuals with physical disabilities, a population identified as having heightened suicidal ideation. Students (N = 184) answered online-based self-report questionnaires. Students with physical disabilities (n = 49) were expected to endorse higher levels of constructs relative to other students (n = 133). Analyses of covariance indicated that those with disabilities reported higher perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, fearlessness about death, or suicidal ideation. Suicide prevention efforts, particularly in university settings, may benefit from focusing on reducing perceived burdensomeness in this population, as these individuals may be at heightened risk.

Do physical disabilities differentiate between suicidal ideation and attempts? An examination within the lens of the ideation to action framework of suicide

“…According to the ITS, suicidal ideation is most likely to occur in the joint presence of perceived burdensomeness, the belief that one is a burden to others to the extent that they would benefit from the individuals' death, and thwarted belongingness, a belief of a lack of meaningful connection to others. Although heightened perceived burdensomeness has been observed in those who endorsed having physical disabilities (Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, ), physical disability was not indirectly associated with suicidal ideation through perceived burdensomeness (Khazem et al, ; Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, ). Furthermore, findings from the limited research examining the contribution of thwarted belongingness to suicidal ideation in this population are also mixed (Khazem et al, ; Wilson, Kowal, Henderson, McWilliams, & Péloquin, ).…”

“…Although heightened perceived burdensomeness has been observed in those who endorsed having physical disabilities (Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, ), physical disability was not indirectly associated with suicidal ideation through perceived burdensomeness (Khazem et al, ; Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, ). Furthermore, findings from the limited research examining the contribution of thwarted belongingness to suicidal ideation in this population are also mixed (Khazem et al, ; Wilson, Kowal, Henderson, McWilliams, & Péloquin, ). Given these findings, the possibility exists that physical disability may contribute to the development of suicidal ideation independent of the influence of these states.…”

Perceived burdensomeness, bullying, and suicidal ideation in suicidal military personnel

“…Previous research has identified higher perceived burdensomeness among those with physical disabilities (Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, 2015) and older adults (Cukrowicz, Cheavens, van Orden, Ragain, & Cook, 2011), which suggests a need for tailored treatment for such individuals. CT-SP is well-positioned to explicitly address cognitive distortions that arise within the domain of perceived burdensomeness, and thus may be especially effective for military personnel who experience suicidal thoughts in this context.…”

“…In this way, CT-SP may not be sufficient as an intervention, as the burdensomeness is not merely perceived. Previous research has identified higher perceived burdensomeness among those with physical disabilities (Khazem, Jahn, Cukrowicz, & Anestis, 2015) and older adults (Cukrowicz, Cheavens, van Orden, Ragain, & Cook, 2011), which suggests a need for tailored treatment for such individuals. Additionally, those bullied due to sexual orientation or race are members of socially vulnerable groups that are susceptible to higher rates of bullying and may require programs specifically directed towards eliminating the bullying of minority groups (Llorent, Ortega & Zych, 2016).…”

Reducing suicidal ideation in home health care: results from the CAREPATH depression care management trial

“…Evidence suggests, for instance, that greater medical comorbidity and functional disability may exacerbate geriatric depression, hindering treatment progress and slowing symptom remission (Alexopoulos et al , 1999; Szanto et al , 2003; Alexopoulos, 2005). Likewise, perceived burdensomeness, which may result from illness and functional disability (Khazem et al , 2015), increases risk of SI (Cukrowicz et al , 2011; Hill and Pettit, 2014; Guidry and Cukrowicz, 2015); however there are few studies exploring the influence of perceived burdensomeness on longitudinal course of SI (Hill and Pettit, 2014). While medical comorbidity, functional disabilities, and perceived burdensomeness are established risk factors for SI, it is unclear to what extent these factors may influence remission or persistence among depressed HHC patients.…”