Mindfulness Moderates the Association Between Perceived Burdensomeness and Suicide Ideation in Adults With Elevated Depressive Symptoms

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2017 Oct;47(5):580-588. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12314. Epub 2016 Nov 24.

Abstract

A conceptual model in which the associations between perceived burdensomeness and suicide ideation, and between thwarted belongingness and suicide ideation, are moderated by mindfulness was examined. Participants were 218 undergraduates (mean age = 20.81) with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Mindfulness significantly moderated the association between perceived burdensomeness and suicide ideation; participants with thoughts of burdensomeness experienced lower levels of suicide ideation if they were high, as opposed to low, in mindfulness. Mindfulness did not significantly moderate the association between thwarted belongingness and suicide ideation. Implications for intervention and elaboration of the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression* / diagnosis
  • Depression* / psychology
  • Depression* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mindfulness / methods*
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychological Theory
  • Risk Factors
  • Students / psychology
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Suicide* / psychology