Mechanisms of Action Contributing to Reductions in Suicide Attempts Following Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Military Personnel: A Test of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide

Keywords

brief cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide, suicide

Abstract

Brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) is associated with significant reductions in suicide attempts among military personnel. However, the underlying mechanisms of action contributing to reductions in suicide attempts in effective psychological treatments remain largely unknown. The present study conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of BCBT versus treatment as usual (TAU) to examine the mechanisms of action hypothesized by the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPT): perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and fearlessness about death. In a sample of 152 active duty U.S. Army personnel with recent suicide ideation or attempts, there were significantly fewer suicide attempts in BCBT, but there were no differences between treatment groups from baseline to 6 months postbaseline on any of the 3 IPT constructs or their interactions. Tests of the moderated mediation failed to support an indirect effect for the IPT model, regardless of which IPT variables were specified as mediators or moderators. Results suggest that the IPT’s hypothesized mechanisms of action do not account for reductions in suicide attempts in BCBT. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Bryan, C.J., Wood, D.S., May, A., Peterson, A.L., Wertenberger, E., & Rudd, M.D. (2017). Mechanisms of action contributing to reductions in suicide attempts following brief cognitive behavioral therapy for military personnel: a test of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide. Archives of Suicide Research, 22, 241-253.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017-04-19

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5696

Publisher

Archives of Suicide Research

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS