Sociodemographic Variables Associated with Constructs of the Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour

Abstract

The Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour proposes that a number of distal and proximal risk factors moderate the pathway to suicidal behaviour. Distal risk factors include social, demographic and neurobiological correlates. The aim of the present study was to explore the sociodemographic variables associated with constructs of the Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour. In the study, I employed a cross-sectional survey design method to recruit 239 South African mental health outpatients aged 18–68 years. The participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the interpersonal needs questionnaire, the interpersonal hopelessness scale and the acquired capability for suicide scale. Multiple regression analyses indicated that scores on the perceived burdensomeness subscale of the interpersonal needs questionnaire were positively associated with females, being unemployed and a lower level of educational attainment, whereas scores on the Thwarted Belongingness subscale and the interpersonal hopelessness scale were not associated with any of the sociodemographic variables. Scores on the acquired capability for suicide scale were found to be positively associated with younger ages, being male, and being employed. The study findings indicate that gender, age, unemployment and lower levels of education are implicated in the development of perceived burdensomeness and the acquired capability for suicide. The implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.