-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
/
PR_quant_long.Rmd
1464 lines (1294 loc) · 66.6 KB
/
PR_quant_long.Rmd
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
866
867
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
898
899
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
1000
---
title: Temporal exploration of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide among adolescents
during treatment
author:
- name: Atanas Janackovski
affiliation: University of Wollongong
email: [email protected]
- name: Frank P. Deane
affiliation: University of Wollongong
email: [email protected]
- name: Alex Hains
affiliation: University of Wollongong
email: [email protected]
- name: Peter J. Kelly
affiliation: University of Wollongong
email: [email protected]
date: "`r format(Sys.Date(), '%d %B, %Y')`"
bibliography: ./bib/MyLib.bib
biblio-style: biblatex-apa
csl: ./bib/apa.csl
link-citations: yes
colorlinks: yes
always_allow_html: true
---
```{r, cleanup, include = FALSE, results = "hide", warning = FALSE}
library("here")
rm(list = ls(all = TRUE))
source("./code/func.R")
source("./code/load.R")
list2env(readRDS("./data/proc/riclpm_df.rds"), .GlobalEnv)
opts_chunk$set(
echo = FALSE,
message = FALSE,
warning = FALSE,
results = "hide"
)
options(
knitr.kable.NA = "",
kableExtra.auto_format = FALSE,
knitr.table.format =
ifelse(knitr::pandoc_to("docx"), "simple",
ifelse(knitr::pandoc_to("html"), "html", "latex")
),
tinytex.verbose = TRUE
)
```
# Introduction
For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide.
In 15--29-year-olds, it is the fourth leading cause of death globally
[World Health Organization [WHO], -@WHO2021].
In Australia, it is the number one cause of death in young people with rates
continuing to rise [Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], -@abs2021].
The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) is an ideation-to-action
framework that proposes the underlying mechanisms of suicidal behaviours
[@joiner2005; @vanorden2010].
It posits that three state-type and one trait-type factor contribute to suicide.
The combination of the state-type factors: (1) perceived burdensomeness (that
you are a liability on others), (2) thwarted belongingness (lack of reciprocally
caring relationships), and (3) hopelessness (that burdensomeness and belonging
will not improve), are theorised to lead to suicidal desire.
The ITS states that the more severe that these perceptions and associated
thoughts are, the more severe the suicidal desire.
The fourth factor, acquired capability, is proposed to be more stable and may be
influenced by previous painful experiences (e.g., abuse, self-injury, contact
sports).
This fourth factor contributes to whether someone has the capability to make a
suicide attempt.
However, according to the theory, capability is not a risk in and of itself.
Without a desire for suicide---moderated by the intensity of perceptions of
burdensomeness, belongingness, and hopelessness---capability alone is not enough
to lead to a suicide attempt.
More specifically, the ITS states that the causal processes of suicidal desire
are a result of these other factors [@joiner2005; @vanorden2010].
As such, the theory asserts it can provide a "map and compass" [@joiner2009, p.
196] for assessment and intervention with suicidal people, and proposes
burdensomeness and belongingness be the targets of therapy [@joiner2009].
Assessing the putative causal processes specified by the ITS could help improve
treatment for young people at risk of suicide.
When conducting treatment and process oriented research, a number of
recommendations have been made to help strengthen the design and validity of
findings.
Specifically, when evaluating potential causal processes and testing the
dynamic interplay of theorised variables, there is a need to disaggregate the
between- and within-person differences [@hamaker2015; @cole2009].
Omitting idiographic factors inherently disconnects statistical models from the
theoretical models they seek to test, and potentially undermines the validity of
the empirical inferences [@curran2014; @hamaker2015; @hofmann2019a].
Likewise, single timepoint assessment is a potential impediment.
Causal psychological factors are often time-varying in nature, therefore
relationships between variables are best analysed longitudinally [@kraemer1997],
and ideally should include multiple waves of data (three or more) with shorter
intervals between lags [@cole2009; @hamaker2015].
Research utilising designs with the above features may offer improved
insights into the underlying causal processes and subsequently be more useful
in developing interventions [@hamaker2015; @cole2009].
Findings of ITS research, both in young people and in older populations,
generally indicate partial support for the theory's propositions [@chu2017;
@ma2016].
However, most of the extant studies use non-clinical populations and
cross-sectional designs.
Of the prospective research to date, the majority report only two timepoints
[@chu2017; @ma2016].
Whilst the body of longitudinal research that is more consistent with the design
principles outlined above is growing [e.g., @kleiman2017; @rogers2019;
@kyron2018], studies testing the theory with clinical populations of young
people are limited [@abbott2021; @czyz2019a; @zhang2021; @wu2020].
@czyz2019a conducted one of the most fine-grained assessments of the ITS to
date.
This study used ecological momentary assessment in a population of adolescents
(13--17-years-old, *N* = 34) admitted to hospital following a suicide attempt
and/or suicidal ideation.
Daily severity of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness,
hopelessness, and suicidal ideation was assessed for one month post-discharge.
The study reported that suicidal ideation auto-regressively predicted suicidal
ideation, whilst no cross-lagged relationships predicted suicidal ideation.
However, the interaction between thwarted belongingness and either
burdensomeness or hopelessness predicted same day and next day suicidal
ideation [@czyz2019a].
Two secondary analyses using data from a randomised control trial of cognitive
therapy for suicide prevention with homeless youth (18--24-years-old, *N* =
142--150) have also tested the ITS longitudinally [@zhang2021; @wu2020;
@slesnick2020].
One used a mediation path model with post treatment scores, tested whether
thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness at 6-months mediated the
effects of social problem-solving at 3-months on suicidal ideation at 9-months
post treatment [@zhang2021].
The study found only perceived burdensomeness was a significant mediator
[@zhang2021].
The second study used a cross-lagged panel model to test associations between
thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation at
baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post treatment [@wu2020].
They reported that perceived burdensomeness at baseline predicted suicidal
ideation at 3-months, and suicidal ideation at 6-months predicted lower
perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness at 9-months post treatment
[@wu2020].
@abbott2021 used a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to test
the effects of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness on suicidal
ideation with a treatment seeking sample of adolescents (12--18-years-old) at
baseline, midway, and completion of treatment of a 16-week intervention.
They found partial support for the propositions of the ITS, with burdensomeness
predicting suicidal ideation at baseline to midway, and suicidal ideation
predicting burdensomeness at midway to treatment completion.
Whilst these studies have certainly added to our understanding of the
processes underlying the ITS, there are a number of limitations.
All studies used small sample sizes (*N* = 34--150) [@abbott2021; @czyz2019a;
@wu2020; @zhang2021], only one study included hopelessness as a time-varying
predictor [@czyz2019a], and only two studies disaggregated the between-person
effects [@abbott2021; @czyz2019a].
Furthermore, three studies used time lags (2--6-months) [@abbott2021; @wu2020;
@zhang2021] which may not adequately capture the dynamic nature of the relations
between the time-varying factors proposed by the ITS [@cole2009; @hamaker2015;
@vanorden2010].
The ITS posits causal mechanisms that contribute to the development,
maintenance, and treatment of suicidal desire in individuals [@joiner2009;
@vanorden2010].
Given the general paucity of longitudinal research with the ITS and the
limitations to the studies outlined above, there is a need to further evaluate
how applicable the theory is in clinical populations of young people at risk of
suicide.
## Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between variables purported to be
important to the development and treatment of suicidal desire during treatment
using a naturalistic, longitudinal design.
We tested the associations between the factors proposed by the ITS: thwarted
belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness and suicidal ideation over
the course of treatment.
To more accurately test the associations between the variables of interest, a
RI-CLPM was used to partial out the between-person variance such that the
relationships between study variables more accurately assessed the within-person
dynamic processes across time [@hamaker2015].
Additionally, given its correlation with suicide [American Psychiatric
Association [APA],-@americanpsychiatricassociation2013], depression was also
included in the model as a potential time-varying covariate.
# Method
We report how we determined our sample size, all data exclusions (if any), all
manipulations, and all measures in the study.
The present study was not preregistered.
## Participants
```{r, participant, include = TRUE, results = "hide", warning = FALSE}
p <-
list(
n = phd_fin_wide %>% group_by(sex),
atsi = phd_fin_wide %>% group_by(atsi),
cald = phd_fin_wide %>% group_by(cald)
) %>%
map(~ .x %>%
summarise(n = n()) %>%
mutate(prc = sprintf("%.1f", n / sum(n) * 100)))
refs <-
phd_fin %>%
filter(
session == 1
## !is.na(c)
) %>%
mutate(
ref = case_when(
referrer %in% c(1, 2) ~ "GP",
referrer %in% 3 ~ "MH",
referrer %in% 4 ~ "ED",
referrer %in% 5 ~ "psychiatrist",
referrer %in% 6 ~ "AHP",
referrer %in% 7 ~ "oth_slf_fam_fr",
referrer %in% 8 ~ "oth_slf_fam_fr",
referrer %in% 9 ~ "oth_slf_fam_fr",
TRUE ~ "miss"
)
) %>%
group_by(ref) %>%
summarise(
n = n()
) %>%
mutate(
prc = paste0(round(n / sum(n) * 100, 1), "%")
) %>%
arrange(desc(n)) %>%
adorn_totals()
```
The study was approved by the institutional Human Research Ethics Committee.
The dataset was a secondary analyses of data taken from a short-term outpatient
suicide prevention program located in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region of New
South Wales, Australia between
`r format(ymd(min(phd_fin$date)), "%B %d, %Y")` and
`r format(ymd(max(phd_fin$date)), "%B %d, %Y")`.
The service offered no fee psychological support for people aged 12--25 years
who were at mild to moderate risk of suicide and self-harm.
The final sample consisted of
`r paste0(n_distinct(phd_fin_wide$ID))` participants
(`r subset(p$n, sex %in% "female", prc)`% females,
`r subset(p$n, sex %in% "male", prc)`% male, and
`r subset(p$n, sex %in% "other", prc)`% non-binary).
There were
`r paste0(subset(p$atsi, atsi %in% "ATSI", n))`
participants in the total sample
(`r subset(p$atsi, atsi %in% "ATSI", prc)`%)
who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and
`r paste0(subset(p$cald, cald %in% "yes", n))` participants
(`r subset(p$cald, cald %in% "yes", prc)`%)
who identified as having a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
The average age of the sample was
`r sprintf("%.2f", mean(phd_fin_wide$age, na.rm = TRUE))` years
(*SD* = `r sprintf("%.2f", sd(phd_fin_wide$age, na.rm = TRUE))`).
This was a naturalistic sample and duration of service engagement varied
depending on the clinical needs or recovery of the participants.
The average number of sessions attended in the current sample was
`r sprintf("%.2f", mean(phd_fin_wide$cov_sess, na.rm = TRUE))`,
(*SD* = `r sprintf("%.2f", sd(phd_fin_wide$cov_sess, na.rm = TRUE))`).
The majority of referrals were from primary care settings such as general
practitioners
(`r subset(refs, ref %in% "GP", prc)`)
public mental health services
(`r subset(refs, ref %in% "MH", prc)`)
or emergency departments
(`r subset(refs, ref %in% "ED", prc)`).
A further
`r subset(refs, ref %in% "AHP", prc)`
came from allied health professionals and
`r subset(refs, ref %in% "oth_slf_fam_fr", prc)`
from other referral sources including self, family and friends.
The remainder of participants
(`r subset(refs, ref %in% "miss", prc)`)
did not have source of referral information available.
Regarding the assessment of risk and suitability for services, participants'
overall level of risk was determined using a risk assessment matrix by a mental
health intake clinician or their treating clinician (psychologists or clinical
psychologists) at their initial session.
The risk assessment matrix rated risk as 'low', 'medium', or 'high', across a
number of potential issues, including mental state (e.g., depression,
psychosis), history of suicidal attempts or thoughts, substance misuse, client
strengths and availability of supports, client changeability of risk level, and
clinician's confidence in assessment information (e.g., gaps in/or conflicting
information, poor engagement).
Examples of risk ratings for suicidal ideation are: 'low' (nil or vague thoughts),
'moderate' (frequent thoughts; repeated threats); or 'high' (continual thoughts;
clear intention).
A cumulative risk score was tallied by summing the total number of 'low',
'medium', and 'high' ratings.
Clients deemed to be of lower or higher than mild to moderate risk were referred
to more appropriate services.
The treatment approach used was based on a cognitive behavioural therapy
framework tailored for suicide prevention [@stanley2009], although clinicians
were able to draw on different approaches in their clinical work.<!-- [@janackovski2021]. -->
All participants provided informed consent to have their clinical information
entered into a research databank, with parental/carer co-consent sought for
participants aged 12--14 years.
Not consenting to research participation did not change the treatment offered.
## Measures
*Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ)*.
The 15-item INQ [@vanorden2012] is a self-report measure designed specifically
to reflect the two interpersonal constructs of the ITS.
Items are rated on a 7-point Likert scale with higher scores indicating higher
severity.
Six items measure perceived burdensomeness (PB) and nine items measure thwarted
belongingness (TB).
The measure has been found to be a reliable and valid measure in adolescent
inpatient samples and young adults [@hill2014a; @horton2015].
Taking into account the multilevel nature of the data, we calculated overall,
between-level, and within-cluster
($\alpha$^*2l*^, $\alpha$^*b*^, and $\alpha$^*w*^ respectively)
composite reliability of the repeated measures [@lai2021].
The composite reliability for the current sample was
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$pb, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$pb, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$pb, label %in% "within", est)`)
for burdensomeness items, and
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$tb, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$tb, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$tb, label %in% "within", est)`)
for belongingness items.
The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was
`r meas_icc_fin$pb$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$pb$ci`) for PB,
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$pb$bwp`
was due to between-person variability and about
`r meas_icc_fin$pb$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations over time.
The ICC for TB was
`r meas_icc_fin$tb$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$tb$ci`),
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$tb$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations.
*Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)*.
Hopelessness was measured using the BHS [@beck1974].
However, the service changed from using the original 20 item true/false scale
[true = 1 and false = 0, @beck1974] to the short 4-item version during the data
collection period.
The latter included items 6, 7, 9, and 15 of the original, with a 6-point Likert
scale [@aish2001; @yip2006].
In order to use data from both versions of the BHS for analysis, the short-form
version had responses rescaled to 0--5, and then summed, providing scores that
fell into the same 0 to 20 range as the full-scale version.
In both cases, higher scores indicate higher severity.
Both versions have previously demonstrated strong internal reliability
[@beck1998].
The composite reliability was
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_20, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_20, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_20, label %in% "within", est)`)
for the 20-item version, and
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_sf, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_sf, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$bhs_sf, label %in% "within", est)`)
for the 4-item version.
The ICC was
`r meas_icc_fin$pb$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$bhs_20$ci`) for 20-item version
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$bhs_20$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations.
The ICC for 4-item version was
`r meas_icc_fin$bhs_sf$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$bhs_sf$ci`),
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$bhs_sf$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations.
*Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation (MSSI)*.
The MSSI [@miller1986] is a clinician-administered 18-item semi-structured
interview used to measure severity of suicidal ideation.
The first four questions are designed as screening items to identify those whose
suicidal ideation is severe enough to warrant administration of the entire scale
[@miller1986].[^4]
The MSSI has demonstrated high internal reliability in adult psychiatric
inpatient samples [@miller1986] and inpatient suicidal youth, with high
internal reliability on the total scores [$\alpha$ = .89, @pettit2009].
In the current sample the composite reliability of the MSSI was
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$si, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$si, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$si, label %in% "within", est)`).
The ICC for MSSI was
`r meas_icc_fin$si$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$si$ci`),
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$si$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations.
*Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale–short version
(DASS21-DEP)*.
The DASS21-DEP [@lovibond1995a] captures symptoms of depression.
Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale and higher scores indicate higher
symptom severity.
Strong internal reliability has been demonstrated in non-clinical samples of
young people [@klonsky2009; @szabo2010], comparable to studies of adult clinical
and community samples [@antony1998].
Composite reliability of the DASS21-DEP in the current sample was
$\alpha$^*2l*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$dep, label %in% "overall", est)`
($\alpha$^*b*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$dep, label %in% "between", est)`,
$\alpha$^*w*^ =
`r subset(mcfa_alpha$dep, label %in% "within", est)`).
The ICC for DASS21-DEP was
`r meas_icc_fin$dep$iccp` (95% CI `r meas_icc_fin$dep$ci`),
indicating that about
`r meas_icc_fin$dep$wip`
was due to within-person fluctuations.
*Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale-Fearlessness About Death (ACSS-FAD)*.
The 7-item ACSS-FAD [@ribeiro2014; @vanorden2008] was used to assess capability
for suicide at baseline.
Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale.
Higher scores indicate higher fearlessness about death [@vanorden2008].
Discriminant validity is evidenced by the non-significant relationship with
suicidal desire and depression [@vanorden2010].
The ACSS-FAD has demonstrated good internal consistency amongst clinical samples
of adolescents [@horton2015], and was $\alpha$ =
`r subset(meas_rel_fin, var == "ac", max)` in the current study.
*Inventory of Statements about Self-injury (ISAS)*.
The ISAS [@klonsky2009; @klonsky2008] was used to measure functions of
self-injurious behaviours at baseline.
It contains 39 items that measure intrapersonal and interpersonal functions of
self-injury.
Items are rated on a 3-point Likert scale.
Higher scores on these subscales indicate stronger endorsement of the functions
for the participant [@klonsky2009].
The ISAS has good test-retest reliability [@glenn2011] and construct validity
demonstrated in a clinical sample [@klonsky2015a].
Reliability for ISAS section 2 was $\alpha$ =
`r subset(meas_rel_fin, var == "interp", max)`
for interpersonal and
$\alpha$ =
`r subset(meas_rel_fin, var == "intrap", max)`
for intrapersonal subscales.
*Demographics*.
During participants' initial session, treating clinicians also collected data on
demographic and background clinical factors.
This included ethnicity, relationship status, living arrangements, as well as
previous history of deliberate self-injury, trauma, and suicide attempts.
The total number of intervention sessions each participant received was also
recorded.
## Plan of analysis
### Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model
All preparation and analysis of data was carried out using R [v4.1.1,
@rcoreteam2021].[^3]
A random intercept cross-lagged panel model [RI-CLPM, @hamaker2015; @mulder2021]
analysis using 'lavaan' [@rosseel2012] was performed to test the direction of
effects between ITS variables and suicidal ideation across five waves of data.
Model fit was assessed using the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis
Index (TFI) the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and the
Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR).
Whilst a significant chi-square statistic indicates poor fit, this test is
sensitive to large sample size and may reject the null hypothesis (suggesting
poor fit) when other indicators suggest otherwise.
Alternatively, RMSEA and SRMR values < .05, and CFI and TLI values > .95 would
be considered a good fit of the model to the data [@hu1999].
The traditional cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) allows individuals to vary
across the group means and does not estimate between-person differences.
However, it is rarely the case that there is no between-person variation in
traits, which can result in biased and inaccurate estimates of regression
coefficients [@hamaker2015].
The RI-CLPM addresses this limitation through distinguishing the between-person
(time-invariant or trait-like) and within-person (time-variant or state-like)
variance by creating one latent variable for each construct across the
measurement timepoints, with factor loadings constrained to 1 [@hamaker2015;
@mulder2021].
Constraining factor loadings in this way assumes that the random intercepts
have the exact same influence on the observed variables at each occasion
[@mulder2021].[^1]
These new random-intercept latent variables are added to the traditional CLPM
measure.
The correlations between these latent factors represent the relationship between
these trait-like portions of the variance.
After accounting for the trait-like component, interpretations of regression
coefficients are then relative to each individual’s own mean or state variations
in the constructs.
The state-like effect was modelled by regressing each observed variable onto its
own latent factor, and constraining its measurement error variances to zero.
Autoregressive paths in RI-CLPM models reflect within-person carryover from one
time period to the next, or the extent to which one’s later scores are predicted
by earlier states on the same construct.
The cross-lagged paths reflect the degree to which participants’ states on one
variable can be predicted by prior states on another variable, controlling for
other variables in the model.
Across autoregressive and cross-lagged paths, a significant positive (negative)
relationship implies it will likely be followed by a positive (negative)
deviation in the expected score of the relevant construct at the next occasion
in the same direction.
Within-person correlations indicate cross-sectional correlations between
participants’ states on one variable and their states in another variable at the
same timepoint.
The assumption is that the within-person components at the first occasion are
not correlated to the random intercepts because observations have started at an
arbitrary timepoint in an ongoing process [@mulder2021].
Therefore, covariances between the within-person components at the first
occasion and the random intercepts are not included.
The CLPM is a special case of the RI-CLPM and is nested within it, so we
performed a chi-square difference test to compare the fit of the RI-CLPM with
the traditional CLPM.
This comparison tests whether removing the random intercepts significantly
deteriorates model fit [@hamaker2015; @mulder2021].
Figure \@ref(fig:riclpm-mod) illustrates a full RI-CLPM using two of our five
variables for the sake of visual simplicity.
### Missing Data
Missing data was managed at the scale level and the model level.
Initially, for all continuous measures other than the MSSI, where there was 20%
or less missing items for a scale, the scale was prorated to calculate a
variable score, otherwise a participant's scores were considered missing on that
variable.
For the MSSI, given that data was missing for participants that did not warrant
the full administration of the measure, but to respect the potential missing
data not related to this administration procedure, manual imputation was carried
out to be able to compare participants on a uniform scale.
If the screening items were below the cutoff (indicating administration of
subsequent items should cease) then the remaining items 5 to 18 were scored 0.
If more than one of the screening items was missing, then the case was treated
as having missing data on the MSSI.
Regarding missingness at the model level (across waves), given data was
collected in a naturalistic treatment setting, missing data was expected, as
participants attended different numbers of sessions.
Full information maximum likelihood (FIML) estimation with robust standard
errors is one of the recommended approaches to handling missing data of this
kind, even data with nonnormal distributions [@rosseel2012; @yuan2000;
@muthen2011].
However, one assumption of the FIML approach is that data are missing at random
(MAR).
Data can be considered MAR when the missingness is related to some other
variable(s) in the data set, but not the missing variable itself [@enders2010].
To further improve the FIML approach, it is recommended that auxiliary variables
be included in the model.
This can help reduce bias, improve power, and provide more robust estimates.
The recommended method is the saturated correlates approach [@graham2003;
@enders2008; @enders2010; @blozis2013], which was implemented by the 'semTools' package
[@jorgensen2021].
Therefore a number of potential baseline correlates as well as variables related
to engagement in services were included as auxiliary variables.
Auxiliary variables consisted of participants' age, gender, personal history of
trauma, deliberate self-injury and suicide attempts, as well as baseline scores
on acquired capability and functions of deliberate self-injury.
Additionally, to take into account the variability of participants engagement in
treatment, the total number of sessions were included.
# Results
## Descriptive Analyses
Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations for session
frequency, total number of sessions, age at baseline, acquired capability, and
sample proportions of gender, personal history of trauma and deliberate
self-injury are presented in Table \@ref(tab:descr).
Mean and standard deviations, number observed and percentages missing compared
to time 1 for perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, hopelessness,
depression, and severity of suicidal ideation are presented in Table \@ref(tab:means).
Correlation between observed and auxiliary variables are presented
in the supplementary material.
## RI-CLPM Analyses
### Model Fit
The random-intercepts cross-lagged model (RI-CLPM) provided a good fit to the
data.[^2]
Results showed an adequate to good fit:
CFI = `r subset(fit_stat, stat == "cfi.robust", valpr)`,
TLI = `r subset(fit_stat, stat == "tli.robust", valpr)`,
RMSEA = `r subset(fit_stat, stat == "rmsea.robust", valpr)`
(95% CI [`r subset(fit_stat, stat == "rmsea.ci.lower.robust", valpr)`,
`r subset(fit_stat, stat == "rmsea.ci.upper.robust", valpr)`]),
SRMR = `r subset(fit_stat, stat == "srmr", valpr)`.
Furthermore, the RI-CLPM was compared to the traditional CLPM, which did not
include any random intercepts.
The CLPM was a significantly worse fit to the data,
($\Delta\chi^2$ =
`r subset(mod_diff, term == "clpm_fit", chisq_diff)`,
$\Delta$*df* = `r subset(mod_diff, term == "clpm_fit", df_diff)`,
*p* `r subset(mod_diff, term == "clpm_fit", p_value)`),
suggesting that partitioning trait-like and state-like variance for random
intercepts was indicated.
### Correlation of Between and Within Person Factors
The correlation between the random intercepts is reported in Table
\@ref(tab:riclpm-cor).
Regarding the trait-like between-person variance portion of this model, we found
that the burdensomeness, belongingness, hopelessness, and depression random
intercepts all had significant variance with each other, *r*s =
`r subset(ri_cor$no, std.all %in% min(std.all), r)` to
`r subset(ri_cor$no, std.all %in% max(std.all), r)`,
*p*s `r subset(ri_cor$no, pvalue %in% min(pvalue), p)` to
`r subset(ri_cor$no, pvalue %in% max(pvalue), p)`.
These medium to large effect sizes imply that there are stable, trait-like
differences between persons on these factors.
This suggests that individuals who have more symptoms on one of these factors,
in general, are also more likely to be symptomatic on the other factors.
Additionally, the burdensomeness, belongingness, hopelessness, and depression
random intercepts all had significant variance with suicidal ideation,
(*r*s =
`r subset(ri_cor$yes, std.all %in% min(std.all), r)` to
`r subset(ri_cor$yes, std.all %in% max(std.all), r)`,
*p*s =
`r subset(ri_cor$yes, pvalue %in% min(pvalue), p)` to
`r subset(ri_cor$yes, pvalue %in% max(pvalue), p)`),
with medium effects.
This implies that in general, people who report lower levels of belongingness or
higher levels of burdensomeness, hopelessness, or depression, are also more
likely to report higher levels of suicidal ideation.
The final RI-CLPM model is shown in Figure \@ref(fig:riclpm-fig).
The within-person, or state-like correlations, are also presented in Table
\@ref(tab:riclpm-cor).
Regarding the within-level variance, at T1, burdensomeness was positively
correlated with belongingness, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Suicidal ideation was also positively correlated with belongingness,
hopelessness, and depression.
At T2--T5, all variables were positively correlated with each other, ranging
from medium to large effect sizes.
### Autoregressive Effects
Regarding the state-like within-person part of the model, standardised estimates
of the autoregressive and cross-lagged paths are shown in Table
\@ref(tab:riclpm-arcl).
After the between person stability was partialed out, the autoregressive paths
for burdensomeness were significant at times
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "pb", spread)` ($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "pb", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "pb", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "pb", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "pb", p_max)`).
The autoregressive paths for belongingness were significant at times
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "tb", spread)` ($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "tb", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "tb", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "tb", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "tb", p_max)`).
The autoregressive paths for hopelessness were significant at times
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "bhs", spread)` ($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "bhs", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "bhs", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "bhs", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "bhs", p_max)`).
The autoregressive paths for depression were significant at times
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "dep", spread)` ($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "dep", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "dep", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "dep", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "dep", p_max)`).
The autoregressive paths for suicidal ideation were significant at times
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "si", spread)` ($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "si", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "si", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "si", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$ar, rhs %in% "si", p_max)`).
### Cross-Lagged Effects
Regarding the cross-lagged paths, burdensomeness to belongingness was
significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "tb", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "tb", B_max)`,
*p* =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "tb", p_max)`).
However, the reverse paths were non-significant.
For burdensomeness to hopelessness, significant paths were found at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "bhs", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "bhs", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "bhs", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "bhs", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "bhs", p_max)`).
Whilst the reverse paths from hopelessness to burdensomeness were significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "pb", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "pb", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "pb", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "pb", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "pb", p_max)`),
and showed marginally stronger effects.
The paths from burdensomeness to depression was significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "dep", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "dep", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "dep", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "dep", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "dep", p_max)`).
The only significant reverse path between depression and burdensomeness was at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "dep" & lhs %in% "pb", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "dep" & lhs %in% "pb", B_max)`,
*p*s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "dep" & lhs %in% "pb", p_min)`).
There was also one significant path from burdensomeness to suicidal ideation at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "si", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "si", B_max)`,
*p*s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "pb" & lhs %in% "si", p_max)`).
However, two reverse paths from suicidal ideation to burdensomeness were
significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "pb", spread)`,
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "pb", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "pb", B_max)`
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "pb", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "pb", p_max)`),
although with comparatively smaller effects.
Regarding the cross-lagged paths for hopelessness, one path to belongingness was
significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "tb", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "tb", B_min)`,
*p* =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "tb", p_max)`).
However, no belongingness to hopelessness paths were significant.
For hopelessness to depression, significant paths were found at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "dep", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "dep", B_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "dep", B_max)`,
*p*s
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "dep", p_min)` to
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "dep", p_max)`).
No depression to hopelessness paths were significant.
One path from hopelessness to suicidal ideation was significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "si", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "si", B_max)`,
*p* =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "bhs" & lhs %in% "si", p_max)`).
The path from suicidal ideation to hopelessness was significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "bhs", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "bhs", B_min)`
*p* =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "bhs", p_min)`),
although showed a smaller effect.
The cross-lagged paths for suicidal ideation to depression was significant at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "dep", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "dep", B_min)`,
*p*s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "si" & lhs %in% "dep", p_min)`).
However, the reverse depression to suicidal ideation paths were non-significant.
And finally, one cross-lagged paths was significant for belongingness to
suicidal ideation at
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "tb" & lhs %in% "si", spread)`
($\beta$s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "tb" & lhs %in% "si", B_min)`,
*p*s =
`r subset(within_fit$cl, rhs %in% "tb" & lhs %in% "si", p_min)`).
There were no significant reverse paths.
Although the belongingness to suicidal ideation path effect size was small, this
was the only non-reciprocal path to suicidal ideation found in the data.
# Discussion
## Main findings
The present study used a naturalistic, longitudinal design to explore the
relationships between the variables proposed by the ITS to be causally
predictive in the development and treatment of desire for suicide: thwarted
belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness [@vanorden2010].
Furthermore, the potential confounding effects of depression on suicidal
ideation were controlled at each timepoint.
To achieve this, we used a RI-CLPM, a methodology that partitions the
between-person (trait-like) and within-person (state-like) dynamic processes.
Regarding the between-person effects, all ITS variables and depression had
significant variance with each other and suicidal ideation.
We found that participants who reported higher severity on one factor (e.g.,
burdensomeness) also tended to report higher severity on another factor (e.g.,
suicidal ideation).
Regarding the within-person dynamics processes, our results showed that the ITS
propositions of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and
hopelessness as temporally predictive of suicidal ideation was partially
supported.
However, in contrast to the propositions of the ITS, the current findings
provide evidence of a bidirectional relationship between suicidal ideation to
burdensomeness and hopelessness [@vanorden2010; @joiner2005].
Whilst the reciprocal relationships differ from those proposed by the ITS, a
small body of longitudinal research has found relationships between suicidal
ideation to burdensomeness similar to our results [@abbott2021; @rogers2019;
@wu2020].
However, few other studies have found a relationship where thwarted
belongingness was positively associated with suicidal ideation [@kyron2018,
@czyz2019a].
Although unlike our findings that showed only thwarted belongingness predicted
suicidal ideation during one lagged time period, @kyron2018 found there was a
reciprocal relationship between these two factors at each measurement occasion.
Whereas @czyz2019a found that the interaction between thwarted belongingness and
burdensomeness or hopelessness predicted next day suicidal ideation.
One other study has also found relationships where hopelessness has predicted
suicidal ideation at subsequent timepoints [@kleiman2017].
Some of the differences between our findings and the aforementioned research may
be due to different analytic designs as well as differing variables, number of
waves, and lag between timepoints.
However, results are largely consistent.
That is, whilst interpersonal factors do have an influence on suicidal ideation,
the reverse has also been found, and the autoregressive influences on suicidal
ideation may be more consistent than those predicted by other factors.
Stepping through the effects in our study, from session one to two, the
cross-lagged effect of suicidal ideation predicted hopelessness, burdensomeness,
and depression.
However, the effect of hopelessness on burdensomeness was stronger than both the
respective cross-lagged and autoregressive effects of suicidal ideation and
burdensomeness at this timepoint.
Both suicidal ideation and hopelessness also had significant autoregressive
effects of similar magnitude.
Whereas no significant autoregressive effects were found for belongingness or
depression between session one and two.
From session two to three, suicidal ideation and hopelessness both had
significant autoregressive effects and significantly predicted severity of
burdensomeness, with hopelessness again showing the stronger effect size.
Whilst burdensomeness did not have a significant autoregressive effect at this
session, it did predict change in belongingness.
Whereas belongingness had a significant autoregressive effect and a unique
cross-lagged effect on suicidal ideation, albeit with a slightly smaller effect size
than the suicidal ideation autoregressive effect.
Depression only predicted changes in itself.
From session three to four, burdensomeness and hopelessness both had moderate
sized cross-lagged effects on suicidal ideation, as well as each other.
Burdensomeness also had a significant cross-lagged effect on depression.
With the exception of suicidal ideation, all variables had significant autoregressive effects.
From session four to five, burdensomeness had moderate cross-lagged effects on
hopelessness and depression.
Whereas depression had a cross-lagged effect on burdensomeness, and hopelessness
on belongingness.
All variables also had significant autoregressive effects.
Overall, our results indicate that prior severity of suicidal ideation is
important in predicting future severity in a range of other psychological
factors related to suicide, and perhaps most importantly, suicidal ideation
itself.
Whilst the effect of suicidal ideation on the other variables is not consistent
with the ITS, it is consistent with recent findings [@abbott2021; @kyron2018;
@rogers2019; @kleiman2017; @czyz2019a; @wu2020].
One study with adolescent suicide attempters endorsed psychache, hopelessness,
and escape as the three most prominent reasons for suicide [@may2016a].
Although we did not directly measure perceptions of psychological pain or
entrapment, these unmeasured factors could have influenced the effects of
suicidal ideation and contributed to the pattern of our results.
We also found a number of relationships that were predicted by the ITS
[@joiner2005; @vanorden2010].
The effects of belongingness on suicidal ideation and burdensomeness on
belongingness are partially concordant with the ITS.
However, the most consistent effect was seen in the cross-lagged effects
involving hopelessness, which at every timepoint had a significant cross-lagged
effect on burdensomeness or belongingness.
Together the results may have implications for treatment and suggest it may be
important to address hopelessness and suicidal thinking directly, rather than
just through the theoretical change mechanisms of burdensomeness and
belongingness [@joiner2009].
## Implications
### Theoretical
This study adds to the small but growing literature on how well the ITS explains
suicidal ideation longitudinally [@kleiman2017; @rogers2019; @kyron2018;
@abbott2021; @czyz2019a; @zhang2021; @wu2020].
Like these studies, our findings indicate that whilst the ITS variables are
implicated in suicidal ideation, the relationship is more dynamic and less
linear than proposed by the theory [@rogers2019; @joiner2005; @vanorden2010].
Moreover, the significant between- and within-person effects indicate that
individual differences should be considered in assessment and treatment.
To this end, suggestions have been made that the ITS may benefit from
incorporating dynamic processes similar to those proposed by the Fluid
Vulnerability Theory (FVT) [@rogers2019; @bryan2016].
Further, the moderate size of the cross-lagged effects of burdensomeness and
hopelessness were similar to the autoregressive effects of suicidal ideation,
indicating that other contributing mechanisms to suicidal ideation still
remain unresolved.
Incorporating other theoretical models may contribute to improved predictive
accuracy via additional variables not assessed in the current study,
specifically psychache and entrapment [@may2016a].
Research investigating differences between the three most prominent modern
theories of suicide---the ITS [@joiner2005; @vanorden2010], the Three Step
Theory [3ST, @klonsky2015], and the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model
[IMV, @oconnor2018a]---suggests that whilst they may each uniquely contribute to
explaining suicidal ideation, there is also crossover between them [@hagan2019;
@debeurs2019; @ordonez-carrasco2021].
Although results vary between the studies, concurrent associations between
suicidal ideation and hopelessness, psychache, entrapment, burdensomeness, and
belongingness have consistently been found [@kleiman2014a; @hagan2019;
@debeurs2019; @panagioti2012; @tarsafi2015; @troister2010].
Given this, a more integrative and dynamic conceptualisation of suicidal
processes may help advance our understanding of the factors that precipitate and
maintain suicidal ideation, but also factors that counteract or protect against
them.
### Clinical
Regarding the usefulness of the ITS in therapy, the between-person effects and
within-level (cross-sectional) variability generally supports the propositions
of the theory.
That is, higher severity on ITS variables was associated with elevated scores on
other ITS variables and suicidal ideation.
However, the within-person dynamic processes (across waves) were not consistent
in terms of the temporal predictions of the theory [@joiner2009; @vanorden2010].
Whilst our findings do offer some support to the propositions of the ITS in
terms of reductions in belongingness and burdensomeness potentially having a
causal influence on reductions in suicidal ideation during treatment
[@joiner2009], they also indicate that increasing hope and directly targeting
suicidal thinking could be particularly important to address during the outset
of therapy.
Therefore, the relative importance of belongingness and burdensomeness as
primary targets of treatment may need to be considered alongside the potential
causal and reciprocal influences of other factors on suicidal thinking.
Moreover, given that suicidal thinking was the most consistent
predictor of subsequent severity of suicidal thinking, this still leaves a
significant gap in our understanding of what may contribute to changes in
suicidal ideation.
Overall, whilst the ITS may be useful in initial assessment, a broader
conceptualisation of suicide may be needed to help navigate the dynamic
processes in treatment.
Interventions most likely work via multiple processes, and similarly
individuals' needs may be achieved via multiple strategies (e.g., direct work on
suicidal ideation or hopelessness, challenging beliefs related to
burdensomeness).
Assessment regarding the stability or chronicity of suicidal ideation and other
associated risk factors, in addition to the availability of protective factors,
can inform a person-centred, inherently non-categorical approach to coping with
and recovering from suicidal ideation [@pisani2016; @rogers2019; @bryan2016;
@jobes2016].
Most supported interventions for suicide prevention with young people
incorporate practical strategies to help minimise suicidal behaviours, improve
problem-solving and emotion regulation [@mufson2004; @miller2007; @pineda2013;
@asen2012].
These are done within the context of improving the functioning of the natural
support systems (family, schools) [@tang2009; @mufson2004; @miller2007;
@pineda2013; @asen2012] and may be important potential targets for early in
treatment [@foster2017].
One common element across interventions is the use of some type of safety plan
[@mufson2004; @miller2007; @pineda2013; @asen2012; @bateman2013a; @stanley2009].