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.
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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.