title: The relationship between body dysmorphic disorder behaviors and the acquired capability for suicide.
abstract: In a sample of 200 individuals diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), we utilized the interpersonal-psychological theory for suicide as a framework to examine BDD behaviors that might be associated with suicide risk, insofar as they might increase the acquired capability for suicide. We predicted that physically painful BDD behaviors (e.g., cosmetic surgery, restrictive eating) would be associated with suicide attempts but not suicide-related ideation because these behaviors increase capability for, but not thoughts about, suicide. Our hypothesis was partially confirmed, as BDD-related restrictive food intake was associated with suicide attempts (but not suicide-related ideation) even after controlling for numerous covariates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. tracy.witte@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Tracy K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Witte
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Didie
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Menard
authors.forename: Katharine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult