Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Examining the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide in an inpatient veteran sample
Lindsey L Monteith1, Deleene S Menefee, Jeremy W Pettit
1Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA. lindsey.monteith@va.gov
Abstract:
Suicide among veterans is a pressing public health concern. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide proposes that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness lead to suicidal desire, whereas the acquired capability for suicide leads to suicide attempt in the presence of suicidal desire (Joiner, 2005). Two hypotheses derived from the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide were tested in 185 veterans (96 women) entering inpatient psychiatric treatment. Burdensomeness and its interaction with belongingness significantly predicted current suicidal ideation. The three-way interaction between burdensomeness, belongingness, and acquired capability did not significantly predict number of past suicide attempts. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
The resilience...
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Need for Self-Esteem