Suicide attempts among individuals with opiate dependence: the critical role of belonging.
This study explored the role of three theoretically important interpersonal variables in attempted suicide and unintentional overdose using a diverse sample of one hundred thirty-one (69 women) methadone patients at an urban university hospital. Subjects completed a standardized interview including self-report measures of perceived 1) belonging 2) burdensomeness, and 3) loneliness. In separate multivariate logistic regression analyses, individuals with a history of attempted suicide were compared to non-attempters, and individuals with a history of unintentional overdose were compared to individuals without such a history. As hypothesized, low belonging distinguished suicide attempters but not individuals with a history of unintentional overdose, after accounting for covariates. Results concerning burdensomeness and suicide attempt were also suggestive. Findings underscore the relevance of a sense of belonging to vulnerability to suicidal behavior, and lend further support to the notion that suicide attempts and unintentional overdose have dissimilar correlates.
Conner
Kenneth R
KR
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-8409, United States.
Britton
Peter C
PC
Sworts
Luke M
LM
Joiner
Thomas E
TE
D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012919:Social Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*