The Association between Anhedonia, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide Attempts in a Large Student Sample

Abstract

Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Evidence suggests that anhedonia may be a symptom of depression that is uniquely associated with suicidality. However, exactly how anhedonia is related to suicide is unclear. To provide more specific evidence regarding this association, we investigated relationships between anhedonia, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. A large combined undergraduate sample completed the novel Specific Loss of Interest and Pleasure Scale (SLIPS), the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire—Revised (SBQ-R). Anhedonia was associated with suicidal ideation, even when accounting for depressive symptoms. Additionally, anhedonia was not associated with suicide attempts when symptoms of depression were held constant. The current study provides novel evidence regarding the relationship between anhedonia and risk of attempting suicide. Future research can examine the role anhedonia plays in the unfolding of suicidal behavior over time.

Keywords:

• anhedonia
• depression
• SLIPS
• specific loss of interest and pleasure scale
• suicide
• suicidal ideation

Notes

¹We use the term suicidal ideation here instead of suicide risk due to the study's emphasis on discriminating suicidal ideation from suicide attempts. That is, it attempts to answer which people, with suicidal ideation, are eventually at risk to attempt suicide.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

E. Samuel Winer

E. Samuel Winer, Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA.

Christopher W. Drapeau

Christopher W. Drapeau, Department of Educational Psychology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA.

Jennifer C. Veilleux

Jennifer C. Veilleux, Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.

Michael R. Nadorff

Michael R. Nadorff, Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi and Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.