Associations Between Perceived Criticism and Suicide Ideation and Attempts

The effect of perceived criticism from others is one potentially important risk factor for suicide that has received scant attention, despite decades of research on the role of criticism in the treatment and course of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. The current study analyzed the unique effect of perceived criticism's association with suicidal ideation and attempts as well as its connection with the well-established suicide related constructs of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and the acquired capability to enact self-harm as described in the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide. Results demonstrated that perceived criticism is a significant predictor of suicidal ideation and attempts, above and beyond the role of mental illness. Further analyses demonstrated that the effect of perceived criticism on suicide ideation and attempts is fully mediated by the constructs of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. These results should be replicated in a wider sample and should be investigated as a factor to address in public and individual mental health treatment to help reduce suicide ideation and attempts.