Suicidal ideas and suicidal probability: Examining various pathways through integrating interpersonal psychological theory of suicide and attachment theory

This study aims to propose and test various models integrating attachment theory within different relational structures and self-other models in explaining suicidal ideation and likelihood through the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS). The proposed models hypothesized that anxious and avoidant attachment patterns focusing maternal, paternal, romantic partner, and friend relationships, along with self and other models, predict suicidal ideation and likelihood through IPTS constructs of Perceived Burdensomeness (PB) and Thwarted Belongingness (TB). The sample comprises 412 participants aged 18-25 with convenience sampling, who completed online scales to measure the variables including the Suicidal Probability Scale (SPS), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS), Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) for mother, father, romantic partner, v and friend forms, and the Relationship Scale (RS). SPSS and R Studio were used to test the compatibility of the proposed models with the obtained data. The results confirmed the proposed models. In maternal and paternal-focused models, avoidant attachment had greater effects on PB, TB, and suicidal ideation and likelihood compared to anxious attachment. In friend-focused attachment, anxious attachment was dominant, while in romantic partner attachment, both anxious and avoidant attachments had similar effects, but overall, anxious attachment had greater impacts. These findings highlight the criticality of insecure attachment in different relational structures in explaining suicidal ideation and likelihood through its relationship with PB and TB, providing empirical support to the suicide literature. The findings were discussed theoretically and clinically within the relevant literature, and suggestions for future research and potential clinical implications were provided.