The Role of Thwarted belongingess, Perceived burdensomeness and Acquired Capability for suicide in suicidal behaviour among adolescents and young aults

Abstract

Background: Death by suicide accounts for more than one in one hundred deaths (1.3%) worldwide. In the 15-29 age group, completed suicide accounts for 8.5 per 100 deaths worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death (WHO, 2023). According to Joiner's theory (IPTS), the Thwarted belongingness, the feeling of Being a Burden and the Acquired Capability for suicide are relevant variables that contribute to explaining different suicidal behaviours. The present study aims to explore the differential contribution of these variables to the different suicidal behaviours of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt in adolescents and young adults. Methods: The incidental sample comes from several schools in Spain. It is composed of 1067 students aged between 12 and 21 (M = 15.78; Dt = 2.187). Of these, 55.2% were female, 42.8% male and 0.8% with other identities. In order to participate, they had to provide informed consent and fill in the assessment protocol. Scale for the Assessment

of Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents, Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale and Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire were administred. Descriptive, frequency and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Findings: In the group in which there was suicide planning (no attempt) only the first model in which Thwarted belongingness is introduced is significant (R²= .07*; β for Thwarted belongingness = 27*). In the group of participants who had made a suicide attempt, both Thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness were variables significantly associated with suicide attempt (R²= .31*; β for Thwarted belongingness = -.74*; β for Perceived burdensomeness= .66*). In this case, Acquired Capacity for suicide also showed a significant relationship with suicidal behaviour, with an increase in variance explained (R²= .23*; β for Perceived burdensomeness= .74*; β for Acquired Capability= .63**). Discussion: The results obtained reveal that Thwarted belongingness and Perceived burdensomeness represent key factors in suicidal behaviour, particularly in the more severe phases such as suicide planning and attempts. Likewise, Acquired Capability for suicide seems to moderate these effects, although only in the most severe behaviours such as suicide attempts.