Exploratory Analysis of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Psychological Processes Implied in Risk-taking and Suicidal Behaviors, in Adult and Adolescent At-risk

Overview

In a recent report, Santé Publique France (2023), reported that 4.2% of 18-85 year-olds had thought about suicide in the last 12 months, and 6.8% had attempted suicide in their lifetime and 0.5% in the last year. Even more recently, the DREES (Direction de la recherche, des études, de l'évaluation et des statistiques auprès des Ministères Sociaux) published a report on May 16, 2024, showing a sharp rise in hospitalization rates for self-inflicted acts among female patients aged between 10 and 24, with a peak around age 15. Two-thirds of these hospitalizations for self-inflicted injuries are related to deliberate drug intoxication. Depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (among other psychological disorders) are known risk factors for suicide, which is the leading cause of death in this clinical context. In addition to these formalized psychopathological elements, risk behaviors underpinned by psychological processes common to suicide attempts are suspected and need to be studied in depth. Research into psychiatry and the psychopathology of suicide has identified a number of risk and protective factors. These psychological determinants - or processes - act alongside other key factors such as the environment and social ties. Life contexts can have an impact on health, and more specifically on the psychopathology of individuals, through disturbances of a biological, psychological and social nature. It is important to be able to describe what processes are at work and how they explain the development and maintenance of behaviours that put one's life and health at risk. This is part of a preventive approach to mental health. We suggest that the study of psychological processes such as suicidal ruminations, impulsivity and interpersonal needs (e.g. the interpersonal theory of suicide) is necessary to understand their involvement in risk-taking and suicidal behavior. To our knowledge, few studies of this type are underway in France, particularly with vulnerable clinical populations (adolescents/adults). The inclusion of a process-centered approach (Kinderman, 2015), in a transdiagnostic and preventive way, constitutes an innovative approach.

The aim of this study is to describe psychological processes that contribute to risk-taking and suicidal behaviors. The primary objective of this study is: To examine the fit of an Structural Equation Model (SEM) of risk-taking and suicidal behaviors and ideation, and explain those self-destructive behavior can possibly affected by Perceived Burdensomeness (PB) and Thwarted Belongingness (TB), Impulsivity and Suicidal Ruminations (SR) among with suicidal ideations. This study will address the following secondary objectives: 1. To explore the mediating effect of risk-taking, as a behavioral variable, on the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and impulsivity. 2. To explore the mediating effect of risk-taking, as a self-reported variable, on the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and impulsivity. 3. To explore the mediating effect of risk-taking, as a cognitive variable, on the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and impulsivity. 4. To explore the mediating effect of PB on the relationship between SR and suicidal ideation and behavior. 5. To explore the mediating effect of TW, on the relationship between SR and suicidal ideation and behavior. 6. To explore the mediating effect of SR on the relationship between suicidal ideation and behavior and impulsivity. The effect of developmental status (adult versus adolescent), will be considerated as a co-variate.