Exploring the role of perceived contribution as a protective factor for suicidal ideation: A mixed methods approach

Emerging research has demonstrated a relationship between perceived contribution (i.e., the belief that one's life or actions may improve others' lives) and perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation. This study sought to identify the manner in which perceived contribution manifests among adults and to explore the relationship between perceived contribution and risk factors for suicidal ideation.

Sample 1 included community adults (N = 518; M_age = 36.3) and Sample 2 included college students (N = 1415; M_age = 19.5). Participants provided qualitative responses describing how they contribute to others, analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach. To examine the relationship between perceived contribution and other constructs related to suicide, an estimated partial correlation network was examined.

Qualitative analyses yielded three primary themes: time contribution, emotional-support contribution, and material support contribution. Network analysis indicated that contribution to family had a negative partial correlation with perceived burdensomeness while contribution to community demonstrated a smaller partial correlation with burdensomeness. Evaluation of contribution nodes indicated indirect associations with suicidal ideation.

Results indicated that, across samples, most people perceived their contributions manifest through contributing time to others, emotional support, or material support to others. Perceived contribution to family and community demonstrated direct relationships with perceived burdensomeness, but only indirect relationships with suicidal ideation. This suggests perceived contribution may be more distally related to suicide risk, exerting its primary influence through its influence on perceptions of burdensomeness. Additionally, this investigation demonstrated perceived contribution to be similar to, but distinct from, related constructs.