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The Role of Optimism in the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior
Author(s) -
Rasmussen Kathy A.,
Wingate LaRicka R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/j.1943-278x.2011.00022.x
Subject(s) - optimism , psychology , moderation , suicidal ideation , belongingness , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , poison control , psychotherapist , suicide prevention , social psychology , medicine , medical emergency
A possible relationship between Joiner’s (2005) interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicidal behavior and optimism was investigated by examining the ability of optimism to act as a moderator of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability to engage in self‐injury in the prediction of suicidal ideation. Results supported hypotheses that optimism would serve as a moderator of the effects of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the prediction of suicidal ideation; however, similar results were not found regarding the acquired capability to engage in self‐injury. How optimism might play a role in alleviating suicidal ideation and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.