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Role of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation in two adult samples

Carol Chu (Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA)
Megan L. Rogers (Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA)
Anna R. Gai (Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA)
Thomas E. Joiner (Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA)

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research

ISSN: 1759-6599

Article publication date: 14 August 2017

Issue publication date: 15 December 2017

169

Abstract

Purpose

Despite evidence that violent daydreaming is a correlate of suicidal ideation, no research has examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide insight. This theory postulates that individuals with high suicidal desire experience intractable feelings of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). Violent daydreaming may fuel negative attitudes toward others and oneself and turn attention away from loved ones, thereby increasing feelings that one is a burden on others (PB) and socially disconnected (TB). However, no studies have tested TB and PB as explanatory mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between violent daydreaming, PB, TB, suicidal ideation, and depression in two samples (n=818).

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 was comprised of general undergraduates, and Study 2 selected for undergraduates with a history of ideation. Self-report measures were administered and indirect effects analyses were conducted.

Findings

In both studies, violent daydreaming was associated with increased feelings of PB, TB, and ideation severity. Consistent with the interpersonal theory, TB and PB were significant parallel mediators of the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation, beyond sex and age. In contrast to Study 1, results were no longer significant in Study 2 after accounting for depression.

Originality/value

This was the first study to test TB and PB as mechanisms underlying the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicide risk. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring and addressing violent daydreams and interpersonal functioning throughout treatment to mitigate risk.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research was supported, in part, by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (T32 MH093311-04). This work was also supported by the Military Suicide Research Consortium (MSRC) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs under Award No. (W81XWH-10-2-0181, W81XWH-16-2-0003). Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the MSRC or the Department of Defense.

Citation

Chu, C., Rogers, M.L., Gai, A.R. and Joiner, T.E. (2018), "Role of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the relationship between violent daydreaming and suicidal ideation in two adult samples", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-10-2016-0255

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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