Preliminary examination of interpersonal suicide risk factors among deaf/hard-of-hearing adults

Suicide risk factors among deaf and hard-of-hearing adults remain understudied. Guided by Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (2005), this preliminary cross-sectional study examined associations among adult attachment styles, Deaf acculturation, perceived burdensomeness, disconnectedness, and fearlessness about death among deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. Sixty-eight deaf and hard-of-hearing adults (63.2% female; 75% White; ages 18-69) completed online measures assessing Deaf acculturation, attachment style, perceptions of burdensomeness and disconnectedness, and fearlessness about death. Secure attachment was associated with lower perceived burdensomeness and disconnectedness, whereas avoidant attachment was associated with greater fearlessness about death. Deaf cultural identification was associated with reduced burdensomeness, while greater spoken/written English competence was positively related to fearlessness about death. These preliminary findings parallel patterns observed among hearing adults while highlighting unique cultural factors relevant to deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Results suggest that secure attachment and Deaf cultural identity may be important considerations for culturally responsive suicide prevention research and intervention.