Extracurricular Activities are Associated with Lower Suicidality through Decreased Thwarted Belongingness in Young Adults

Abstract

Research has shown a negative association between extracurricular activities (ECAs) and suicidality. This study builds upon past research by using the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide to better understand the mechanisms involved in the relationship between ECAs and suicide risk. A total of 121 community and online-recruited adults ages 18 to 24-years-old participated. Self-report measures of suicidality, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness were collected. Duration and breadth of participation in ECAs were assessed. ECA involvement was negatively associated with thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. An indirect effect of ECAs on suicidality through thwarted belongingness was statistically significant, but not for perceived burdensomeness. ECA involvement was associated with decreased suicidality through lower levels of thwarted belongingness. Interventions utilizing ECAs may be a low-cost, high-access option for decreasing suicide risk.

KEYWORDS:

• interpersonal psychological theory of suicide
• perceived burdensomeness
• school-based interventions
• thwarted belongingness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brian W. Bauer

Brian W. Bauer, Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Department of Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Daniel W. Capron

Daniel W. Capron, Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA.

Erin Ward-Ciesielski

Erin Ward-Ciesielski, Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA.

Hanna C. Gustafsson

Hanna C. Gustafsson, Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Carol Doyle

Carol Doyle, Department of Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon, USA.