Daily Meaning in Life Buffers the Within-Person Relationships Between Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness With Next-Day Suicidal Ideation: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study.

INTRODUCTION

The interpersonal theory of suicide posits that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness drive suicidal desire. Ecological momentary assessment studies have provided empirical support for these relationships. Although meaning in life protects against suicidal ideation, no research has examined its daily predictive or moderating effects on interpersonal theory variables and suicidal ideation.

METHODS

Thirty-seven adults enrolled in a dialectical behavior therapy program were prompted to complete four assessments daily for 21 days, assessing suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. Meaning in life was captured once daily. Multilevel models using frequentist and Bayesian frameworks tested within- and between-person associations on next-day suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

Meaning in life exhibited substantial daily variability. When participants reported greater daily meaning in life compared to their own average, there were weakened associations between perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness with next-day suicidal ideation, covarying for same-day suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest daily meaning in life protects against next-day suicidal ideation by buffering interpersonal theory variables. Meaning-focused interventions targeting daily fluctuations in meaning in life may reduce acute suicide risk.