Premium
Role of anxiety sensitivity subfactors in suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history
Author(s) -
Capron Daniel W.,
Fitch Kristin,
Medley Amanda,
Blagg Christopher,
Mallott Michael,
Joiner Thomas
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6394
pISSN - 1091-4269
DOI - 10.1002/da.20871
Subject(s) - anxiety sensitivity , suicidal ideation , anxiety , psychology , clinical psychology , poison control , suicide attempt , cognition , suicide prevention , psychiatry , medicine , medical emergency
Background Anxiety along with anxiety‐related risk factors has been increasingly implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. One such risk factor, anxiety sensitivity (AS), refers to fear of anxiety‐related sensations. Subfactors of AS, notably physical and cognitive concerns, seem to be relevant to acquired capability, a risk factor for death by suicide from Joiner's (2005) Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide. Methods This study examined the effect of Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) total score and subfactor scores on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt history in a very large, moderately severe outpatient sample (N = 1,378). Results Analyses were consistent with our a priori predictions about ASI cognitive concern and suicidal ideation. In contrast, ASI physical concerns did not predict previous suicide attempt as well as ASI cognitive or social concerns. However, ASI physical concerns did moderate the relationship between ASI social concerns and previous suicide attempt. Conclusions These findings suggest that suicide potential may be related to cognitive risk factors for anxiety. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–7, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.