Frequency and Methods of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Relation to Acquired Capability for Suicide Among Adolescents

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) proposal that the association of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) with suicide attempt is mediated by acquired capability. Inpatient adolescents (n = 134) reported on suicide ideation and attempts, NSSI frequency and methods, depressive symptoms, and acquired capability for suicide. Consistent with the IPTS, both measures of NSSI were positively associated with acquired capability after accounting for depressive symptoms and past history of attempts. However, both NSSI measures explained independent variance in number of suicide attempts after controlling for suicide ideation and acquired capability. These findings contradict the IPTS and suggest that the role of NSSI in suicide attempt is mediated by variables external to the IPTS.

Keywords:

• acquired capability
• adolescents
• interpersonal psychological theory of suicide
• nonsuicidal self-injury
• self-harm

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacquelyn Matney

Jacquelyn Matney, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Nicholas J. Westers

Nicholas J. Westers, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Sarah E. Horton

Sarah E. Horton, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Jessica D. King

Jessica D. King, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Michael Eaddy

Michael Eaddy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Graham J. Emslie

Graham J. Emslie, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Betsy D. Kennard

Betsy D. Kennard, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Sunita M. Stewart

Sunita M. Stewart, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.