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The Quadratic Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Suicide Ideation: A Nonlinear Analysis of Indirect Effects
Author(s) -
Zuromski Kelly L.,
Cero Ian,
Witte Tracy K.,
Zeng Peng
Publication year - 2017
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/sltb.12270
Subject(s) - body mass index , quadratic equation , nonlinear system , ideation , suicidal ideation , psychology , index (typography) , statistics , mathematics , suicide prevention , poison control , medicine , medical emergency , physics , computer science , geometry , quantum mechanics , world wide web , cognitive science
A nonlinear indirect effects framework was used to investigate potential interpersonal indirect effects (i.e., perceived burden and thwarted belonging) accounting for the nonlinear relationship between body mass index ( BMI ) and suicide ideation. Using a sample of 338 undergraduates, results revealed a significant quadratic effect of BMI on suicide ideation via perceived burden only, which became significant as BMI fell below 18.00 kg/m 2 and above 28.00 kg/m 2 . Our results provide novel information relevant for suicide risk screening in the context of weight‐ and health‐related interventions and provide justification for future longitudinal trials assessing suicide risk across the BMI spectrum.