The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and Relationship Satisfaction: A Daily Diary Study
2024

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and Relationship Satisfaction: A Daily Diary Study

Sample size: 94 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Love Heather A., Morgan Preston

Primary Institution: University of Alabama

Hypothesis

Does relationship satisfaction predict initial levels of suicidal ideation and rates of changes in suicidal ideation trajectories over time?

Conclusion

The study found that relationship satisfaction was not significantly associated with suicidal ideation, while perceived burdensomeness was linked to higher initial levels of suicidal ideation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Higher perceived burdensomeness was associated with higher initial levels of suicidal ideation.
  • Relationship satisfaction was not associated with suicidal ideation in this sample.
  • Participants reported lower rates of ongoing suicidal ideation after the baseline survey.

Takeaway

This study looked at how happy people are in their romantic relationships and how that affects their thoughts about suicide over ten days. It found that being happy in a relationship didn't really change those thoughts.

Methodology

An online daily diary study was conducted over 10 days with 94 adults to examine the relationship between romantic relationship dynamics and suicidal ideation.

Potential Biases

Self-selection bias may have occurred, as participants with higher relationship satisfaction were more likely to participate.

Limitations

The sample size was relatively small and there was significant attrition throughout the daily diary period.

Participant Demographics

Participants were mostly White (76.59%), with a fairly even split between women (47.90%) and men (49.90%), and an average age of 37.47 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/bs14121138

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