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Dyadic Associations of Suicidal Risk Predicting Relationship Satisfaction in a Clinical Sample
Preston C Morgan1, Heather A Love2, Quintin A Hunt3
1Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
|January 6, 2025
Summary
Nearly a quarter of couples in therapy show suicidal risk. While linked to lower satisfaction for men initially, this risk didn't impact relationship satisfaction over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Family Therapy
Background:
- Suicidal risk is a significant concern in couples therapy.
- Understanding the interplay between suicidal risk and relational satisfaction is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of suicidal risk in couples seeking therapy.
- To examine the association between suicidal risk and relational satisfaction trajectories in different-sex and same-sex couples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a national clinical data set (Marriage and Family Therapy Practice Research Network - MFT-PRN).
- Assessed 296 different-sex couples and 27 same-sex couples across three therapy sessions (one, four, and eight).
- Employed dyadic latent growth models to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Approximately 25% of couples presented with suicidal risk at the first session.
- Higher suicidal risk was associated with lower initial relationship satisfaction for men, but this effect diminished over time.
- No significant association was found between suicidal risk and relationship satisfaction in same-sex couples.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal risk is prevalent in couples presenting for therapy.
- While suicidal risk may affect initial relationship satisfaction for men, it does not appear to impact long-term relational trajectories.
- Routine assessment of suicidal risk is recommended for all couples entering therapy.
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