Abstract
Adolescents with schizotypy have an increased risk for suicidal ideation. Suicide theorists have proposed thwarted belonging is a critical component for suicidal thinking. However, the gold-standard assessment for thwarted belonging (INQ-15 thwarted belonging subscale; Van Orden et al., 2012) has limited utility in the context of schizotypy. Evidence suggests adolescents who prefer solitude have increased odds of suicidal ideation. Solitude is a central component of Meehl’s (1962; 1964; 1990) schizotypy trait, social fear. Additionally, thwarted belonging and solitude share underlying interpersonal aversiveness characteristics. Thus, thwarted belonging items may be contaminated with a schizotypal preference for solitude, explaining the poor utility of the assessment, and the schizotypy-suicidal thinking relationship. The three main objectives were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SNQ Belonging and SNQ Solitude – two novel measures that distinguish belonging from solitude. Second, to determine if solitude contaminates the thwarted belonging measure. Third, to investigate if solitude mediates the schizotypy-suicidal thinking relationship. A random sample of adolescents were recruited from high schools, and completed measures of thwarted belonging, solitude, and suicidal ideation. The present findings indicated the SNQ Belonging and SNQ Solitude are psychometrically sound. The thwarted belonging subscale is contaminated with a schizotypal preference for solitude and a schizotypal feeling different from others. A schizotypal preference for solitude appears not to mediate the schizotypy- suicidal thinking relationship, however, a schizotypal feeling different from others does. The present study has broadened our understanding of the schizotypy-suicidal thinking relationship. The SNQ Belonging and SNQ Solitude should be further examined.