Pre-suicidal attempt: An intermediate type within ideation-to-action framework.

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the mechanisms of suicidal behavior is a prerequisite for suicide prevention and intervention. The current study aims to propose and verify the utility of pre-suicidal attempt as an intermediate type in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal attempt within the ideation-to-action framework.

METHODS

A sample of 1084 college students completed a measurement package consisting of suicide history, suicide risk factors, and demographic information. Stratified stepwise multiple regression models and mediated moderation models were used to examine the relationship among the variables.

RESULTS

Pre-suicidal attempts rather than suicidal ideation are predictive of suicide attempts. Age, depression, thwarted belongingness, fearlessness about death, perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation were predictors of pre-suicidal attempts. Supporting the interpersonal theory of suicide, pre-suicidal attempts mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts and were positively moderated by pain tolerance and fearlessness about death. The pre-suicidal attempters scored higher on fearlessness about death and suicide risk than the ideators, while pre-suicidal attempters scored significantly lower on suicide risk than suicide attempters.

CONCLUSION

As an independent intermediate type within the ideation-to-action framework, pre-suicidal attempts contribute to deepen the understanding of the intermediate transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal attempts.