Do theories of suicide play well together? integrating components of the hopelessness and interpersonal psychological theories of suicide

Kleiman, E. M., Law, K. C., & Anestis, M. D. (2014). Do theories of suicide play well together? integrating components of the hopelessness and interpersonal psychological theories of suicide. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 55(3), 431-8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.10.015

Summary

• The goal of the present study is to integrate two theories of suicide risk, Alloy and Abramson's hopelessness theory of suicide (HT) and Joiner's interpersonal psychological theory of suicide (IPTS), into one mediational model where the effects of the risk associated with the HT variables (i.e., a negative cognitive style) on suicidal ideation are transmitted by the IPTS (i.e., perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belonging) variables.
• The results of the study supported the hypothesis. The effects of the HT variables on suicidal ideation were mediated by the IPTS variables.

Key takeaways

HT (Hopelessness theory of suicide)

• Alloy and Abramson’s hopelessness theory of suicide proposes that individuals who are vulnerable to depression are said to have a negative cognitive style.

Integrated model of HT and IPTS

• The integrated model of HT and IPTS of the study suggests that the effects of the HT variables on suicidal ideation are mediated by the IPTS variables.

My Conclusion

-> It seems challenging to leverage HT, as it is difficult to gain information about the cognitive styles. IPTS seems attractive to employ.