The Relation Between Illegal Risk Behaviors and the Acquired Capability for Suicide

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 368-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. Mitchell ◽  
Danielle R. Jahn ◽  
Kelly C. Cukrowicz

Background: Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college students. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide a way to conceptualize suicide risk in this population. Aims: We sought to examine relations between illegal behaviors that may act as risk factors for suicide and the acquired capability for suicide. Method: College students (N = 758) completed assessments of acquired capability and previous exposure to painful and provocative events, including illegal risk behaviors (IRBs). Linear regression, a nonparametric bootstrapping procedure, and two-tailed partial correlations were employed to test our hypotheses. Results: There was no significant relation between IRBs and acquired capability after controlling for legal painful and provocative experiences. A significant positive relation was identified between IRBs and fear/anxiety, contradicting the expected relation between increased painful and provocative experiences and lower fear/anxiety. Acquired capability explained variance in the relation between IRBs and history of suicide attempt or self-injury history. Conclusion: Further research is needed to examine links between IRBs and painful and provocative events, particularly to identify the point at which habituation begins to increase acquired capability, as our unexpected results may be due to a lack of habituation to risky behaviors or low variability of scores in the sample.

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A302-A303
Author(s):  
Sierra Hendershot ◽  
Andrew Tubbs ◽  
Fabian-Xosé Fernandez ◽  
Michael Perlis ◽  
Michael Grandner

Abstract Introduction Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) can increase suicide risk and is highly prevalent among young adults, including college students. While there is mounting evidence that disrupted sleep increases suicide risk, it is unclear how sleep influences NSSIs. Therefore, the present study explored how sleep variables were associated with NSSIs in a college sample. Methods Data from N=506 respondents were collected as part of the Assessing Nocturnal Sleep/Wake Effects on Risk of Suicide (ANSWERS) Survey of college students. The primary outcome, lifetime NSSI, was assessed using a self-report question derived from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The predictors were weekday short sleep (≤ 6h; assessed by retrospective sleep diary), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, Brief Inventory of Sleep Control (BRISC) score, and Disturbing Dreams and Nightmares Severity Index (DDNSI) score. Binomial logistic regression models estimated the associations between NSSI and sleep variables in models that were unadjusted, adjusted for age, sex, race, and ethnicity, and additionally adjusted for thwarted belongingness or perceived burdensomeness from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Results A total of N=142 (28.1%) respondents endorsed lifetime non-suicidal self-injury. Individuals with NSSI were more likely to be female (p=0.015), in poorer health (p<0.001), and have more severe depression (p<0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001) than those without NSSI. In unadjusted models, higher BRISC scores were associated with lower odds of NSSI (OR 0.55 [0.43–0.71]), DDNSI scores of >=10 increased the odds of NSSI (OR 2.65 [1.70–4.11], and ISI scores of >=8 increased the odds of NSSI (OR 2.05 [1.38–3.08]), while short sleep was not associated with NSSI. Adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and thwarted belongingness did not eliminate any of these relationships but adjusting for perceived burdensomeness rendered the association between insomnia and NSSI non-significant. Conclusion Individuals with significant insomnia symptoms or nightmares were more likely to report a history of NSSI, while individuals with greater perceived control of sleep had lower odds of NSSI. These findings were generally independent of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Further research is needed regarding the timing of NSSI (i.e., do they occur more often during nocturnal wakefulness) and whether sleep interventions can reduce the risk of NSSI. Support (if any):


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S146-S146
Author(s):  
Richard Linscott ◽  
Ellen Wright ◽  
Theresa Parker ◽  
Kirstie O’Hare

Abstract Background Meehl portrayed pervasive, chronic suicidality as a key sign of schizotypy. Consistent with this view, positive schizotypy predicts concurrent and future suicidality, is particularly predictive of greater lethality, and is a more potent predictor of suicidality than other psychopathology. Whereas the most prominent explanation for this relationship is that it is spurious, several possible causal connections have not been tested. Also, most existing evidence relates to positive schizotypy and psychosis experience. We describe three studies of the schizotypy – suicidality link. Methods In the first, we tested whether, as Meehl argued, schizotypy is associated with suicide dread. A general population sample (n = 350) of young adults (18 to 24 years) reported on schizotypy and suicidality, including efforts to avert suicide attempts. In univariate analyses, positive, negative, and disorganized components of schizotypy each significantly predicted persistent or frequent suicidal ideation in the past month (ORs from 2.10 to 3.71), history of attempts with intent to die (1.59 to 2.15), fear or dread of the possibility of making an attempt (1.58 to 1.63), and worry about acting on an unwanted impulse to attempt suicide (2.48 to 2.62). In fully-adjusted analyses (controlling for depression, anxiety, stress, and all schizotypy components), positive schizotypy predicted reporting of greater worry about impulsive suicidal behaviour (OR = 1.71, p = .009, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.56). In the second, we tested whether the schizotypy – suicidality link can be understood using contemporary suicide theory. In a random sample of high school pupils (n = 177), schizotypy components predicted classification as an active suicidal ideator (R2 = 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95). These effects were accounted by the influences of magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and suspiciousness being mediated in part by perceived burdensomeness, as per the interpersonal theory of suicide. However, direct effects were also observed from social anxiety and magical ideation components of schizotypy. In the third, we modelled latent growth mixtures of suicidality using data from five waves of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. We test how growth in suicidality (from 18 to 38 years) is related to psychosis experience (age 11 years) and schizotypy (age 13 and 15 years). Schizotypy predicted membership of a growth class characterised by chronically death- and suicidal-ideation that, in turn, predicted attempt behaviour. Results See above. Discussion The complexity of the observed links of schizotypy and psychosis experience with suicidality do not lend themselves to being discounted as spurious or due to common underlying causal factors. Research addressing possible causal connections is warranted, as are efforts to identify whether reduction of suicidality may result from interventions targeting features of subclinical psychosis.


2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shonna L. Snyder ◽  
Lauren Misera

The most recent National College Health Assessment (2007) revealed that college students are engaging in risky health behaviors that are putting them at risk for death, disease, and injury. Studies suggest that certain college student risk behaviors, such as consuming alcohol, increases around certain times of the year and at certain events. Event specific prevention (ESP) programs have been introduced to many college campuses in order to address these risky behaviors. ESP is a strategy designed to reduce risk behaviors around certain events or during times of the year when risk behaviors increase. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a Safe Spring Break ESP program. A cross sectional survey, conducted with 223 students from a large Southeastern university, revealed that 89.9% learned something new at the event and 84.5% reported the information would be helpful while on spring break. Also, many students felt the event was effective or extremely effective at increasing their knowledge regarding specific health behaviors surrounding spring break. This study encourages universities to invest in implementing ESP programs. Recommendations for student wellness, student counseling, and student services regarding ESP programs are included.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 590
Author(s):  
Puti Andini Pradipta ◽  
Monty Prawiratirta Satiadarma ◽  
Untung Subroto

Suicide was the third leading cause of death in adolescents in the world in 2016 with a mortality rate of about 136,000 cases. Reasons teenagers commit suicide include family financial problems, psychological distress, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and depression. In addition, the difficulty of professional help and social support from the surrounding environment also opens up opportunities for adolescents to commit suicide. Suicidal behavior is often associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). NSSI is an act of self-injury with no intention to commit suicide, but according to the Interpersonal Theory for Suicide by Joiner (2005), NSSI’s actions are considered to be one of the factors increasing the ability to commit suicide attempts (acquired capability). This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between NSSI and acquired capability for suicide by meta-analysis study. Eight studies from 119 articles involving the term NSSI and acquired capability were studied using the random-effects model. A total of 3398 samples were included in the study. The results showed that the effect size between NSSI and acquired capability was (r = .208), which means that NSSI is positively correlated with acquired capability and has a weak relationship. The results of this study also show that this study has a high heterogeneity value (I2 = 91,48) and there is no publication bias. Bunuh diri adalah penyebab kematian nomor tiga pada remaja di dunia pada tahun 2016 dengan angka kematian sekitar 136.000 kasus. Alasan remaja melakukan bunuh diri antara lain adalah masalah-masalah keuangan keluarga, distres psikologis, rendahnya harga diri, kurang percaya diri, dan depresi. Selain itu, sulitnya pertolongan tenaga profesional dan dukungan sosial dari lingkungan sekitarnya juga membuka peluang para remaja untuk melakukan percobaan bunuh diri. Perilaku bunuh diri sering dihubungkan dengan Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). NSSI merupakan tindakan perusakan diri dengan tanpa adanya keinginan untuk bunuh diri, namun menurut teori Interpersonal Theory for Suicide oleh Joiner (2005), tindakan NSSI dianggap menjadi salah satu faktor meningkatnya kemampuan seseorang untuk melakukan percobaan bunuh diri (acquired capability). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi hubungan antara NSSI dan acquired capability dengan studi meta-analisis. Delapan artikel korelasional dari 119 artikel yang melibatkan istilah NSSI dan acquired capability dipelajari menggunakan random-effect models. Sebanyak 3398 sampel dilibatkan dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai effect size antara NSSI dan acquired capability adalah sebesar (r = .208), yang berarti NSSI berkorelasi positif dengan acquired capability dan memiliki hubungan yang lemah. Hasil penelitian ini juga menunjukkan bahwa studi ini memiliki nilai heterogenitas yang tinggi(I2 = 91,48) dan tidak terdapat bias publikasi.


Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 338-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen L. Batejan ◽  
Lance P. Swenson ◽  
Stephanie M. Jarvi ◽  
Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp

Abstract. Background: Rates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are particularly high on college campuses. Commonly endorsed reasons for NSSI include interpersonal (e.g., seeking support) and intrapersonal (e.g., affect regulation) functions. Aims: This study compared college students with and without a history of NSSI on their views of NSSI functions in order to inform gatekeeper intervention/prevention programs targeting NSSI. Method: The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, which assessed NSSI behavior and functions of NSSI, was completed by 367 college students (73% female, 95% white). Results: Ninety-eight participants endorsed lifetime moderate/severe NSSI, 109 endorsed minor NSSI, and 160 denied any history of NSSI. Noninjuring participants' views of NSSI functions were compared with the views held by participants with histories of NSSI. The groups did not differ in their views of the relevance of intrapersonal functions, although noninjuring individuals appeared to stress some interpersonal factors (e.g., influence) slightly more than individuals with a history of NSSI did. Conclusion: These results suggest that college students generally hold similar perceptions of the functions of NSSI. Our findings suggest intervention/prevention efforts may consider broadening the selection of gatekeepers (e.g., peers with no history of NSSI) in schools and colleges to identify at-risk students and encourage help-seeking behaviors.


Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 440-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M. Brausch ◽  
Tara C. Holaday

Abstract. Background: Multiple studies have found correlations between history of abuse and self-harm behaviors, but few have examined potential mediators. Studying suicide-related concerns as a mediator in this relationship could inform the interpersonal theory of suicide by identifying acquired capability as a necessary component in self-harm behavior. Aims: This study examined the link between childhood physical abuse, self-injurious behaviors, and suicide-related concerns in young adults. It was hypothesized that more physical abuse and fewer suicide-related concerns would predict self-harm behaviors, and that suicide-related concerns would mediate this relationship. Method: A sample of 212 university students completed self-report measures that assessed self-harm behavior history, reasons for living, and childhood physical abuse. Results: Results supported the hypothesis that more instances of abuse and less concern about pain and death were significantly associated with greater self-harm history. Suicide-related concerns also mediated the relationship between physical abuse and self-harm behaviors. Conclusion: These results support recent theories that habituation to painful and provocative events is an important mechanism in explaining why people engage in self-injurious acts, and provides initial evidence for cognitive mediators between physical abuse and self-harm.


Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Pease ◽  
Lindsey L. Monteith ◽  
Trisha A. Hostetter ◽  
Jeri E. Forster ◽  
Nazanin H. Bahraini

Background: As a result of the post-9/11 GI Bill, increasing numbers of veterans are enrolling in college. However, little is known regarding suicidal outcomes among this group. In prior research, college student veterans reported high rates of suicidal ideation and attempt. Nonetheless, no research has examined whether military service is associated with increased suicide risk among college students. Aims: Our primary aims were to examine whether a history of military service was related to past-year suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt among college students. On the basis of previous research with college students, we hypothesized that students with a history of military service (i.e., current or prior) would report a higher percentage of past-year suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt. Our secondary aims were to examine the associations between military service and major depression and nonsuicidal self-injury. Method: Our sample included 3,290 college students with and without a history of military service who participated in the Healthy Minds Study in 2011 and 2012. Results: Military service was not significantly associated with past-year suicidal ideation, plan, or attempt. Students without a history of military service were more likely to report nonsuicidal self-injury. There was no significant difference in screening positive for major depression. Conclusions: These findings conflict with previous research that identified student veterans as being at elevated risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 260 ◽  
pp. 73-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P. Becker ◽  
Josalyn A. Foster ◽  
Aaron M. Luebbe

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