Extracurricular Activities are Associated With Lower Suicidality Through Decreased Thwarted Belongingness in Young Adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-9-2018
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Research has shown a negative association between extracurricular activities (ECAs) and suicidality. This study builds upon past research by using the interpersonal psychological theory of suicide to better understand the mechanisms involved in the relationship between ECAs and suicide risk. A total of 121 community and online-recruited adults ages 18 to 24-years-old participated. Self-report measures of suicidality, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness were collected. Duration and breadth of participation in ECAs were assessed. ECA involvement was negatively associated with thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. An indirect effect of ECAs on suicidality through thwarted belongingness was statistically significant, but not for perceived burdensomeness. ECA involvement was associated with decreased suicidality through lower levels of thwarted belongingness. Interventions utilizing ECAs may be a low-cost, high-access option for decreasing suicide risk.
Publication Title
Archives of Suicide Research
Volume
22
Issue
4
First Page
665
Last Page
678
Recommended Citation
Bauer, B. W.,
Capron, D. W.,
Ward-Ciesielski, E.,
Gustafsson, H. C.,
Doyle, C.
(2018). Extracurricular Activities are Associated With Lower Suicidality Through Decreased Thwarted Belongingness in Young Adults. Archives of Suicide Research, 22(4), 665-678.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/15951