Longitudinal Tests of Conformity to Masculine Norms as a Risk Factor Within the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Conformity to the masculine norms of self-reliance and emotional control is linked to suicidal ideation. Risk factors for suicidal ideation, such as perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, may explain the relationship between conformity to the masculine norms of self-reliance/emotional control and suicidal ideation. The current study expanded on past cross-sectional research by testing if perceived burdensomeness and/or thwarted belongingness mediated longitudinal relationships between conformity to self-reliance/emotional control and suicidal ideation.

Two hundred and sixty-nine US men completed self-report measures at three timepoints spaced 1 month apart. An adapted version of a longitudinal autoregressive three-wave mediation model was used to test study hypotheses.

Conformity to self-reliance longitudinally predicted perceived burdensomeness, which in turn longitudinally predicted suicidal ideation. Thwarted belongingness had nonsignificant longitudinal relationships with conformity to masculine norms or suicidal ideation.

Results suggest that perceived burdensomeness links relationships between self-reliance and suicidal ideation. Clinicians working with male-identified clients may consider assessing and targeting extreme self-reliance or perceived burdensomeness by helping clients to flexibly negotiate certain standards of masculinity.