Don't Drop the Ball!: Effects of a Burdensomeness Manipulation and the Capability for Suicide on a Proxy for Lethal Approach Behavior

• Other Authors: Silva, Caroline (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Clinical psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_2016SU_Silva_fsu_0071E_13317

Although prevalent, death by suicide is a statistically rare event – making it difficult to identify factors that can best predict behavioral risk and inform suicide risk assessment and management. Experimental tests of theories of suicidal behavior that delineate proximal dynamic and static risk factors are needed to better understand the causal mechanisms of suicidal behavior and prevent death by suicide. The interpersonal theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010) holds that lethal or near lethal suicide attempts occur as a result of the joint hopeless perceptions of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, and the acquired capability for suicide (i.e., fearlessness of death / increased pain tolerance). Although, cross-sectional and prospective studies provide evidence for the basic tenets of the theory (see Joiner, Ribeiro, & Silva, 2012), no published experimental tests of the theory exist to date. Thus, the present study sought to develop and validate a novel laboratory manipulation of perceived burdensomeness and examine its interaction with acquired capability in predicting lethal approach behavior, as an initial and partial experimental test of the theory. 137 participants were randomized into an experimental burdensomeness or control condition that involved playing a virtual ball tossing game. We expected that the effect of laboratory-induced perceived burdensomeness would be particularly relevant when considered in the context of acquired capability. The interaction between condition and acquired capability (i.e., self-reported and pain tolerance) was examined using a behavioral approach task in which participants could choose to drink from a cyanide or sucrose labeled cup (i.e., a laboratory index of lethal approach behavior; Ribeiro, 2014). Results were partially in line with expectations. Future directions and implications are discussed. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester 2016. === April 11, 2016. === Interpersonal Theory of Suicide === Includes bibliographical references. === Thomas E. Joiner, Professor Directing Dissertation; Mark Winegardner, University Representative; Jesse R. Cougle, Committee Member; Walter R. Boot, Committee Member; Chris W. Schatschneider, Committee Member.