Examination of the suicide on the axis of early maladaptive schemas and interpersonal theory of suicide

Early maladaptive schemas are accepted as the mechanism underlying the relationship between unmet early childhood needs and problematic behavior patterns in adulthood. Early maladaptive schemas have an impact on the suicide, both attempt and ideation. There are many theories and approaches developed to define, classify and understand the suicide. On the other hand, suicide and early maladaptive schemas have not been tested within a comprehensive model. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of early maladaptive schemas on suicidal ideation and suicide probability in a model mediated by interpersonal needs, one of the components of interpersonal theory of suicide. It is also aimed to determine various risk factors and protective factors. Suicide Probability Scale, Young Schema Questionnarie, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Acquired Capability for Suicide-Fearlessness About Death Scale and DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Scale were used and the sample consisted of 807 participants. Hypotheses were tested using inter-group comparison tests and multiple mediation model. The findings indicate that male gender, being single, and engaging in self-harming behavior are risk factors for the suicide probability; having children and having religious beliefs may be protective factors against the possibility of suicide. Impaired autonomy, disconnection and unrelenting standards schema domains, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide and fearlessness about death scores of participants who have previously attempted suicide were higher. Models have shown that early maladaptive schema domains are predictive of the suicide probability. The findings were discussed within the framework of schema theory and interpersonal theory of suicide.