Citation

Bauer BW, Capron DW, Ward-Ciesielski E, Gustafsson HC, Doyle C. Arch. Suicide Res. 2017; 22(4): 665-678.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology , Lewis and Clark College , Portland , OR , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2018.1427162

PMID

29393836

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Research has shown a negative association between extracurricular activities (ECAs) and suicidality. This study builds upon past research by using the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide to better understand the mechanisms involved in the relationship between ECAs and suicide risk.

METHODS: 121 community and online-recruited adults ages 18 to 24-years-old participated. Self-report measures of suicidality, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness were collected. Duration and breadth of participation in ECAs were assessed.

RESULTS: ECA involvement was negatively associated with thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. An indirect effect of ECAs on suicidality through thwarted belongingness was statistically significant, but not for perceived burdensomeness.

CONCLUSION: ECA involvement was associated with decreased suicidality through lower levels of thwarted belongingness. Interventions utilizing ECAs may be a low-cost, high-access option for decreasing suicide risk.

Language: en

Keywords

interpersonal psychological theory of suicide; perceived burdensomeness; school-based interventions; thwarted belongingness