Moderating effects of brooding on the link between functional impairment and interpersonal needs in survivors of...

Trauma and resulting functional limitations demonstrate associations with perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, factors contributing to elevated risk for suicidal ideation. However, survivors display differential risk in response to impairment, highlighting the need for research on exacerbating factors. The current study examined the impact of brooding on the association of functional impairment with burdensomeness and belongingness among trauma-exposed undergraduates (N = 262).

Trauma was assessed via clinical interview with questionnaires for study variables. Regression models examined the unique and interactive effects of physical impairment, emotional impairment, and brooding on burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness.

An interaction of brooding and impairment due to emotional difficulties was observed for burdensomeness with impairment linked to elevated burdensomeness at high (β = -0.46; p < 0.001), but not low (β = -0.07; p = 0.476) brooding. Impairment due to emotional difficulties (β = -0.38; p < 0.001) and brooding (β = 0.25; p < 0.001) were associated with belongingness.

Findings identify brooding as a potential target for assessment and intervention in trauma-exposed individuals.