Gender-Specific Correlates of Suicidal Behaviour: Insights from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

TL;DR

This study explores how gender influences the psychological factors linked to suicidal behavior, finding that women and men experience different risk patterns.

Contribution

The study identifies gender-specific correlates of suicidal behavior within the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide framework.

Findings

Hopelessness and perceived burdensomeness are significant correlates of suicidal behavior in women.

Men's suicidal behavior is linked to avoidance-focused coping and interactions between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and capacity for suicide.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study examined gender-specific psychological and interpersonal correlates of suicidal behaviour using the framework of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS). Methods: The study included a total of 181 respondents from a clinical group (N = 93) and a control group (N = 88). Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for women (N = 86) and men (N = 80) for cases that met leverage values (LEV) ≤ 0.2. Variables included personality traits, coping style, hopelessness, self-esteem, hope, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capacity for suicide. Interaction terms were also tested. Results: Among women, hopelessness (Exp(B) = 1.37; p = 0.038) and perceived burdensomeness (Exp(B) = 1.12; p = 0.033) were identified as significant correlates of suicidal behaviour. Among men, an avoidance-focused style (Exp(B) = 1.18; p = 0.009) and the interaction of general capacity for suicide x perceived burdensomeness x thwarted belongingness (Exp(B) = 5.29; p = 0.043) emerged as significant correlates. Further analysis indicated that thwarted belongingness became a significant factor in men only when perceived burdensomeness and capacity for suicide were high (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.33; Exp(B) = 1.17; p = 0.042). Conclusions: Gendered expressions of suicidality appear to follow distinct pathways. Within the IPTS framework, women’s suicidality is more closely shaped by internalized cognitive and affective processes, including hopelessness and perceived burdensomeness, whereas men’s behaviour is influenced by maladaptive coping, social disconnection, and acquired capacity for suicide. These findings highlight the importance of gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies across clinical and community contexts. Early identification of these correlates may reduce suicidal intent, prevent rehospitalization, and improve mental health outcomes.