Exposure to Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior: Examining Pathways to Suicide Risk Using the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS)

Despite efforts to identify risk factors for suicide following exposure to completed suicide, research has paid less attention to the associations between exposure to nonfatal suicidal behavior (NFSB) and subsequent suicide risk among the exposed. Using path analysis, this study examined direct effects of NFSB exposure on suicide risk, as well as indirect effects via depression and anxiety symptom severity, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. Using a sample of 230 college students, a demographic group that is disproportionately exposed to NFSB, results indicated that NFSB exposure was directly associated with suicide risk and depressive symptomatology and indirectly associated with suicide risk through elevations in depressive symptomatology and perceived burdensomeness. These findings support the notion that exposure to NFSB serves as a risk factor for suicidality and that this association can be explained, at least in part, by heightened depressive symptomatology and perceived burdensomeness. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of enhancing provisions of support for those exposed to NFSB.