Does Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness Mediate the Relationship between Schizotypy and Suicidal Ideation?

Abstract

Background. There is evidence to suggest that risk of death by suicide is increased among individuals living with schizotypy. However, currently there is no theoretical framework for understanding the high rates of suicide in schizotypy. Recent evidence has shown that thwarted belonging and perceived interpersonal burden (components of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide) are positively associated with schizophrenia and suicidal ideation. Therefore, I sought to test the hypothesis that the relationship between schizotypy and suicidal ideation is mediated by perceived burden and thwarted belonging. That is, individuals who have high rates of schizotypy are more likely to experience perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, explaining a higher risk for suicidal ideation. Method. Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (n = 177) were randomly selected from pupils of a demographically-representative high school. They completed self-report measures of schizotypy (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire), belonging and burden (Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire), and suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation). Hypotheses were examined using stepwise multiple regression. Results. High levels of interpersonal and disorganized schizotypy predicted suicidal ideation. Perceived burden mediated the relationship between schizotypy (interpersonal and disorganized features) and suicidal ideation whereas thwarted belonging did not. Conclusions. Perceived interpersonal burden appears to partially mediate the relationship between schizotypy and suicidal ideation. This mediation role is specific to interpersonal and disorganised features of schizotypy and does not extend to cognitive-perceptual features. Perceived burden may indicate higher risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour in adolescents with schizotypal traits.