Testing the Main Hypotheses of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior in a Large Diverse Sample of United States Military Personnel

Sense of belonging may impact an individual’s mental health and risk to engage in suicidal behavior. Utilizing a theoretical framework to assess suicidality, this study examined factors that may be contributing to an individual’s desire for death and ability to engage in suicide attempts. Findings revealed that Service members who perceived a lack of belongingness in one’s family and community were more likely to engage in suicidal behaviors in their lifetime.