Predicting suicidal ideation in a nationally representative sample of young adults: a 12-month prospective study

Wetherall, Karen; Cleare, Seonaid; Eschle, Sarah; Ferguson, Eamonn; O�Connor, Daryl B.; O�Carroll, Ronan E; O�Connor, Rory C

Abstract

Background Evidence-based theoretical models outlining the pathways to the development of suicidal ideation may inform treatment. The current research draws from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPT) and the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of suicidal behaviour and aims to test the interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as proposed by the IPT model, and the defeat-entrapment pathway as proposed by the IMV model, in the prediction of suicidal ideation at 12-month follow-up. Methods The Scottish Wellbeing Study is a nationally representative prospective study of young people aged 18-34 years (n = 3508) from across Scotland, who completed a baseline interview and a 12-month follow-up (n = 2420). The core factors from both the IPT (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) and the IMV model (defeat, internal and external entrapment) were measured alongside demographics, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation at baseline. At 12-month follow-up, suicidal ideation was assessed again. Results In multiple regression analysis perceived burdensomeness and internal entrapment, with baseline suicidal ideation, predicted 12-month suicidal ideation. No support for the interaction between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in predicting 12-month suicidal ideation was found. However, there was evidence that internal, but not external, entrapment mediated the relationship between defeat and 12-month suicidal ideation, but no support was found for the moderation of burdensomeness and belongingness on the entrapment to suicidal ideation pathway. Conclusions The current findings highlight the importance of targeting perceived burdensomeness and internal entrapment to reduce the likelihood that suicidal ideation emerges in at risk individuals.

Citation

Wetherall, K., Cleare, S., Eschle, S., Ferguson, E., O’Connor, D. . B., O'Connor, D. B., O’Carroll, R. E., O'Carroll, R. E., O’Connor, R. C., & O'Connor, R. C. (2021). Predicting suicidal ideation in a nationally representative sample of young adults: a 12-month prospective study. Psychological Medicine, 52(14), 3168-3175. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720005255

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 11, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Feb 26, 2021
• Publication Date: Feb 26, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 29, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 27, 2021
• Journal: Psychological Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0033-2917
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-8978
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 52
• Issue: 14
• Pages: 3168-3175
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720005255
• Keywords: Psychiatry and Mental health; Applied Psychology
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5422379
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/abs/predicting-suicidal-ideation-in-a-nationally-representative-sample-of-young-adults-a-12month-prospective-study/E43A38CEF61DCE40CD82A3CCBB83476F
• Additional Information: Copyright: Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press