Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Study of the Explanatory Roles of the Interpersonal Theory Variables Among Military Service Members and Veterans

Often an individual has engaged in non-suicidal self-injury prior to a suicide attempt. In this study, the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and suicide was assessed by examining the following variables: thwarted belongingness (i.e., feelings that one does not belong in a given group), perceived burdensomeness (i.e., the perception that one's death would improve conditions for others), and capability for suicide (i.e., lowered fear of death and repeated exposure to painful or traumatic events). Results indicated that interpersonal troubles can be associated with non-suicidal self-injury and can increase the risk of a suicide attempt.