The Relations Between Identity Disturbances, Borderline Features, Internalizing Disorders, and Suicidality in Inpatient Adolescents.

Previous studies have demonstrated positive associations between identity disturbances and suicidality in adolescents; however, mechanisms underlying these relationships are not well understood. The authors propose that borderline features and various internalizing disorders may mediate these relations. The aim of this study was to test a multiple mediation model of the associations between these constructs using structural equation modeling. Ninety-six inpatient adolescents aged 12-17 years completed the Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescents, the Childhood Interview for Borderline Personality Disorder, the Youth Self-Report, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Findings partly confirmed the theoretical model. Borderline features mediated the positive effect of identity disturbances on suicidal ideation severity. Mediations of withdrawn/depression and anxiety/depression on the effect of identity disruption on suicidal ideation intensity were demonstrated. Identity disruptions and borderline and depressive symptoms could be possible targets for interventions for youth experiencing suicidal ideation.