Thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide among university students of Bangladesh: Scales validation and status assessment

Abstract

BackgroundIdentification of prior mental events of suicide attempts has immense importance in suicide prevention. However, it has not been studied in Bangladesh as there was no available psychometrically valid instrument measuring it.ObjectivesWe aimed to test the psychometric properties of the interpersonal needs questionnaire (INQ-15) and acquired capability for suicide scale-fearlessness about death (ACSS-FAD) in Bangla along with the determination of the level of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide.Materials and methodsWe collected data between 29 March and 14 April 2022 from 1,207 students of medical colleges and universities in Bangladesh by Google form. We assessed the psychometric properties of Bangla INQ and ACSS-FAD scales and examined factors associated with thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 22.82 ± 1.68 (range 18–29) years, 51% were females, 84% were graduate students, and 92% were unmarried. Both of the scales revealed acceptable levels of reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure of Bangla INQ after dropping three items from thwarted belongingness domain (item 9, 11, and 12) and a single factor structure for Bangla ACSS-FAD after dropping three items (item 1, 4, and 6). Perceived burdensomeness was significantly higher in females, students with a history of mental illness, family history of suicide, and the history of suicidal attempts. Fearlessness about death was significantly higher among females, non-Muslim participants, and history of suicidal attempts.ConclusionThe current study revealed psychometric properties of two suicide scales (INQ and ACSS-FAD) in Bangla that can be used in subsequent studies. Prevention strategies targeting to females, persons with psychiatric disorder, history of previous attempt(s) should be prioritized specially among the young age group.

Psychometric Properties of the Bangla Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale among University Level Students

“…The first six items comprise the perceived burdensomeness, and the last six items (reverse coded) comprise the thwarted belongingness. The Cronbach's alpha value of perceived burdensomeness domain of INQ-B was 0.92 in the validation study [21].…”

“…Questionnaire to Assess Suicidal Behavior. We assessed the suicidality among the respondents by four items that were used in our previous studies [21]. We assessed lifetime suicidal ideation, suicidal ideation in the past year, suicidal plan, and suicidal attempts.…”

“…We utilized INQ-B to assess the concurrent validity. INQ-B was validated by Arafat et al [21]. It consists of twelve items in two domains.…”

Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Persian version of the predicaments questionnaire, exploring social attitudes to suicide

“…To measure individuals' suicide desires, specific instruments have been introduced, among which the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-B) stands out. INQ-B directly measures TB and PB, making it a highly appropriate tool to assess suicidal ideation in individuals, reporting how likely that individual desires to attempt suicide ( 36 ). As a different approach, in our study, the Predicaments questionnaire aims to assess the attitudes of the society, rather than the individuals themselves, on whether individuals facing life crises, e.g., loss of belongingness, has the right to desire suicide.…”

Problematic internet use and depressive symptoms among the school‐going adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study findings

“…The lockdown due to COVID‐19 has increased students' engagement with internet use. 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 Students are sometimes unable to participate in face‐to‐face communication since they need to attend an online class. 53 , 54 , 55 This increased involvement of students in the digital world may contribute to the growth of PIU.…”