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Sprio V, Mirra L, Madeddu F, Lopez-Castroman J, Blasco-Fontecilla H, Di Pierro R, Calati R. Can clinical and subclinical forms of narcissism be considered risk factors for suicide-related outcomes? A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 172:307-333. [PMID: 38437765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical and subclinical forms of narcissism may increase suicide risk. However, little is known and there are controversies on this topic. This systematic review aims at providing an overview of studies investigating this association. METHODS We used PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases and followed PRISMA. We focused on cohort, case-control, cross-sectional and case series studies. We referred to both clinical (i.e., narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and/or NPD criteria) and subclinical forms (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic traits) of narcissism. Moreover, we considered: Suicidal Ideation (SI), Non-Suicidal Self-Injury(s) (NSSI), Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH), Suicide Attempt(s) (SA), Suicide Risk (SR), and Capability for Suicide. RESULTS We included 47 studies. Lack of association between NPD diagnosis/criteria and suicide-related outcomes (SI) or mixed results (SA) were found. Higher homogeneity emerged when considering narcissistic traits. Vulnerable narcissism was associated with SI, less impulsive NSSI, and DSH. Grandiose narcissism was associated with severe NSSI and multiple SA with high intent to die, but it was protective against SI and SR. Vulnerable narcissism seemed to be associated with suicide-related outcomes characterized by low intent to die, while grandiose narcissism seemed to be a risk factor for outcomes with high planning and severity. LIMITATIONS Between-study heterogeneity and lack of longitudinal studies. CONCLUSIONS Assessing suicide risk in subjects with clinical or subclinical forms of narcissism may be useful. Moreover, considering the most vulnerable form of narcissism, and not just the grandiose one, may contribute to a more nuanced risk stratification and to the identification of distinct therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sprio
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Mirra
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Madeddu
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Jorge Lopez-Castroman
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France; Center of Biomedical Network Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; PSNREC, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hilario Blasco-Fontecilla
- Center of Biomedical Network Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; UNIR Health Sciences School and Medical Center, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Adult Psychiatry, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France.
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Wilson K, Van Doorn G, Dye J. Vulnerable dark traits mediate the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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3
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Mushtaq A, Inam A, Najmussaqib A, Afshan A, Ermagan-Caglar E. Mediating Role of Psychological Maladjustment in Relation Between Dark Triad, Psychological Distress and Subjective Happiness of Pakistani Emerging Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:906334. [PMID: 35874377 PMCID: PMC9304974 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is fraught with challenges that might have impacts on later life and personality development. Earlier research investigated Dark Triad traits in connection to emotional problems. The current study, on the other hand, focused on investigating the mediating role of psychological maladjustment in the relation of Dark Triad traits, psychological distress, and subjective happiness in emerging adults. A sample of 546 participants aged 18–25 years (M = 21.2 years) from Pakistan have participated to complete an online survey. Standardized assessment tools were used to measure the targeted variables. Results indicated that Machiavellianism and psychopathy were positively associated with psychological distress, whereas narcissism appeared to be a non-significant predictor. Subjective happiness was positively associated with Machiavellianism and negatively associated with psychopathy. In addition, mediation analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that the Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism and psychopathology), psychological distress, and subjective wellbeing were explained by psychological maladjustment. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia Mushtaq
- Department of Applied Psychology, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Asia Mushtaq
| | - Ayesha Inam
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Arooj Najmussaqib
- Department of Applied Psychology, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anjum Afshan
- Bilquis Postgraduate College for Women, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Affiliated College of Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Bader M, Horsten LK, Hilbig BE, Zettler I, Moshagen M. Measuring the Dark Core of Personality in German: Psychometric Properties, Measurement Invariance, Predictive Validity, and Self-Other Agreement. J Pers Assess 2021; 104:660-673. [PMID: 34643456 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2021.1984931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Dark Factor of Personality (D)-the underlying disposition of aversive traits-has been shown to account for various ethically and socially aversive behaviors. Whereas previous findings support the reliability and validity of the original English item sets suggested to measure D, a thorough psychometric examination of their German translation is still pending. Using data from four different samples (total N > 33,000), this study comprehensively evaluates the German version of the D70, D35, and D16 with respect to (a) their factor structure, (b) measurement invariance across gender, (c) measurement equivalence with the original English item sets, (d) predictive validity for relevant outcomes across a six-month period, and (e) self-observer agreement. Results confirm the bifactor structure of the D70 and single-factor models for the D35 and the D16. Measurement invariance testing shows partial strict invariance across gender and language versions. Furthermore, predictive validity and a moderate degree of self-other agreement are supported. The German version of the D70 and its shorter versions thus allow for a psychometrically sound assessment of D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bader
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luisa K Horsten
- Cognitive Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Benjamin E Hilbig
- Cognitive Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Ingo Zettler
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark.,Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Morten Moshagen
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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5
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Bronchain J, Chabrol H, Raynal P. Adaptive psychopathic traits: Positive outcomes in a college student sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rabasco A, Mariaskin A, McKay D. Well, That Was Awkward: When Clients Develop Romantic Feelings for Therapists. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Tylicki JL, Sellbom M, Ben-Porath YS. Examining the Association Between the MMPI-2-RF Triarchic Psychopathy Scales and Suicidality in a Criminal Defendant Sample. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:336-354. [PMID: 31682193 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2019_33_452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prior research has shown that psychopathic personality traits are differentially related to suicide risk, and limited literature also suggests the potential that such risk manifests differently across sex. The current study sought to examine whether sex moderated associations between domains from the triarchic model of psychopathy, a comprehensive perspective of psychopathy, and various suicide variables. Our sample included 1,064 criminal defendants (760 males, 304 females), who had been administered the MMPI-2-RF, from which triarchic psychopathy scales were scored. Suicide-related variables, including current suicidal ideation during interview, history of previous suicide attempts, and number of previous suicide attempts, were reliably obtained from clinical records. The MMPI-2-RF SUI (Suicide/Death Ideation) scale was also examined as a psychometric operationalization of suicidality. Results provided evidence for the general association between psychopathy-related traits and suicide-related outcomes in a manner consistent with the literature. However, these associations did not differ as a function of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Tylicki
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Martin Sellbom
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Lago-Gonzalez L, Bronchain J, Chabrol H. Psychopathic and borderline traits in a college sample: Personality profiles and relations to self-directed and other-directed aggression. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Dhingra K, Mitchell SM, Davies B, Anestis MD, Anestis JC. Suicide Ideation Among Male Prisoners: Preliminary Evidence That Psychopathic Traits are Indirectly Linked to Suicide Ideation Through Thwarted Interpersonal Needs. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:823-837. [PMID: 32175630 PMCID: PMC7483615 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relation between psychopathic traits and suicide ideation (SI) is frequently discussed but little research has examined potential mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) proposes two mechanisms in the pathogenesis of suicidal desire: thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study cross-sectionally tested TB and PB as possible explanatory links in the relation between psychopathic traits and SI. METHOD Archival data from 784 male U.K. prisoners (Mage = 37.21, SD = 9.97) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS Psychopathic traits were indirectly associated with SI through more specific suicide-promoting processes - namely TB and PB. More specifically, results indicated that Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking were indirectly associated with SI through PB and TB in combination. However, results indicated specific indirect effects of TB in the relations between the Antisocial Behavior, Egocentricity, and Stimulus Seeking facets, and SI, whereas specific indirect effects for PB were only significant in the relations between Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking facets and SI. CONCLUSION Preliminary results are consistent with the ITS and suggest that psychopathic traits may be distal risk markers for SI and provide direction for future research that could inform suicide prevention efforts among male prisoners high in such traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Dhingra
- School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, England, LS1 3HE
| | - Sean M. Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Box Psych, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Mail Stop 2051, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-2051
| | - Bill Davies
- School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, England, LS1 3HE
| | - Michael D. Anestis
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box #5025, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
| | - Joye C. Anestis
- School of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Box #5025, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
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Kramer EB, Gaeddert LA, Jackson CL, Harnke B, Nazem S. Use of the acquired capability for suicide scale (ACSS) among United States military and Veteran samples: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2020; 267:229-242. [PMID: 32217223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military personnel and Veterans are at increased risk for suicide. Theoretical and conceptual arguments have suggested that elevated levels of acquired capability (AC) could be an explanatory factor accounting for this increased risk. However, empirical research utilizing the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale (ACSS) in military populations has yielded mixed findings. METHODS To better ascertain what factors are associated with AC, and whether methodological limitations may be contributing to mixed findings, a systematic review was conducted. RESULTS A total of 31 articles utilized the ACSS to examine factors associated with AC, including combat history, in United States (U.S.) military personnel and Veterans. Nearly all studies (96.8%) were rated high risk of bias. Use of the ACSS varied, with seven different iterations utilized. Nearly all studies examined correlations between the ACSS and sample characteristics, mental health and clinical factors, Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs, and/or suicide-specific variables. Results of higher-level analyses, dominated by cross-sectional designs, often contradicted correlational findings, with inconsistent findings across studies. LIMITATIONS Included studies were non-representative of all U.S. military and Veteran populations and may only generalize to these populations. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high risk of bias, inconsistent use of the ACSS, lack of sample heterogeneity, and variability in factors examined, interpretation of current ACSS empirical data is cautioned. Suggestions for future research, contextualized by these limitations, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Kramer
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Building G3, Room 189, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laurel A Gaeddert
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Building G3, Room 189, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christine L Jackson
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Building G3, Room 189, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ben Harnke
- Strauss Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12950 E. Montview Blvd., MS A003, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sarra Nazem
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 N. Wheeling Street, Building G3, Room 189, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, 13001 E. 17th Place, Room C2000C, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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11
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Gómez-Leal R, Megías-Robles A, Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Cabello R, Fernández-Abascal EG, Fernández-Berrocal P. Relationship between the Dark Triad and depressive symptoms. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8120. [PMID: 31803535 PMCID: PMC6886484 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dark Triad (DT) is composed of three closely related personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism. These traits have been linked to emotional deficits. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the DT traits, including sub-dimensions, and depressive symptoms in order to identify those factors most strongly associated with the development of depression in individuals scoring high on DT. For these purposes, a total of 791 adults (M = 35.76 years; 24.91% males) completed a questionnaire battery including DT traits and depression measures. A positive significant correlation was found between psychopathy and Machiavellianism traits (total score and all sub-dimensions) and depressive symptoms. For narcissism, the direction of the correlation was dependent on the sub-dimension assessed. A model explaining 26.2% of the depressive symptoms scores was composed of the callous affect and criminal tendencies sub-dimensions of psychopathy, cynical view of human nature, which is a sub-dimension of Machiavellianism, and entitlement and self-sufficiency, which are sub-dimensions of narcissism. In addition, some of the relationships found between DT sub-dimensions and depressive symptoms appeared to depend on gender. Our results could have implications for detection and intervention programs aimed at decreasing the negative emotional consequences suffered by individuals with high DT scores. Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosario Cabello
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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12
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Bowes SM, Watts AL, Thompson WW, Lilienfeld SO. Clarifying the association between psychopathy dimensions and internalizing symptoms in two community samples: The role of general personality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Fadoir NA, Lutz-Zois CJ, Goodnight JA. Psychopathy and suicide: The mediating effects of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gottfried ED, Harrop TM, Anestis JC, Venables NC, Sellbom M. An Examination of Triarchic Psychopathy Constructs in Female Offenders. J Pers Assess 2018; 101:455-467. [PMID: 30183359 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2018.1502193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to expand scientific knowledge on psychopathic personality traits in female offenders by evaluating the relationship between MMPI-2-RF triarchic scales and self-reported external variables in a sample of 205 female offenders. Results indicated that boldness was inversely related to internalizing dysfunction, including suicidal behavior, psychosis, youth conduct problems, problems stemming from alcohol use, and a history of outpatient mental health treatment. Meanness was positively related to internalizing dysfunction as well as youth conduct problems, anger, prison disciplinary reports, and psychosis. Disinhibition was associated with a history of abuse in childhood, suicidal behavior, internalizing dysfunction, problems associated with alcohol and drug use, family history of mental illness, prison disciplinary reports for violence, number of previous criminal charges, and anger. Consistent with views of psychopathy as a configural condition, interactive effects of boldness with disinhibition and meanness were observed for multiple key external variables (e.g., conduct problems, substance use, nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior). This study provides further evidence for the triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy in female offenders and lends additional support for the validity of MMPI-2-RF triarchic psychopathy scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D Gottfried
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Community and Public Safety Psychiatry Division, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Joye C Anestis
- b Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi
| | | | - Martin Sellbom
- d Department of Psychology, University of Otago , Dunedin, New Zealand
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Anestis JC, Anestis MD, Preston OC. Psychopathic personality traits as a form of dispositional capability for suicide. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:193-202. [PMID: 29453038 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The capability to enact lethal self-harm has recently been highlighted as a critical risk factor for suicidal behavior. Klonsky and May's (2015) three step theory of suicide (3ST) expanded upon the construct of the capability for suicide by dividing it into categories: dispositional, acquired, and practical. The current study examined constructs of Patrick and colleagues' (2009) triarchic model of psychopathy as indicators of dispositional capability in gun owners, a sample at heightened risk for death by suicide (Anestis and Houtsma, 2017). We anticipated that specific psychopathic traits would exhibit robust associations with other components of the capability for suicide. In a sample of 300 gun-owning adults, Boldness was uniquely related to all indicators of practical capability in both male and female gun owners, and a Boldness*Meanness interaction predicted the highest levels of some capability components. These results are consistent with theoretical conceptualizations of the triarchic model. Our findings indicate that, among US gun owners, dispositional factors may impact comfort with and aptitude with guns, which may enhance our understanding of which gun owners are at the greatest risk of gun suicide should they develop suicidal thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joye C Anestis
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA.
| | - Michael D Anestis
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Olivia C Preston
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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Baertschi M, Costanza A, Canuto A, Weber K. The Function of Personality in Suicidal Ideation from the Perspective of the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040636. [PMID: 29601506 PMCID: PMC5923678 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) has been increasingly studied over the last years, responding to the demand for a valid framework addressing suicidality. Yet, only a few studies have explored the function of personality in the IPTS and none with clinical patients. We aimed to contribute to fill this gap in investigating the relationship between personality as conceptualized by the Five-Factor Model, the IPTS constructs, and a dimensional measure of current suicidal ideation. We conducted correlation, multiple linear regression, and path analyses based on a trait-interpersonal framework in a sample of 201 individuals visiting the psychiatric emergency room of a general hospital with current suicidal ideation. Neuroticism (positively) and openness (negatively) predicted perceived burdensomeness, while neuroticism (positively) and extraversion (negatively) predicted thwarted belongingness. Higher conscientiousness and lower extraversion were both predictors of the acquired capability for suicide. However, none of the models involving path analyses with IPTS variables as mediators of the relationship between personality traits and suicidal ideation was adequately adjusted to the data. Thus, it appears that personality plays a significant albeit modest role in suicidality when considered from an IPTS perspective. As personality is frequently assessed in the clinical routine, health professionals should consider it as complementary to detect individuals at risk of or presenting suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Baertschi
- Service of General Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Nant Foundation, Avenue des Alpes 66, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d'Arve 40, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Alessandra Costanza
- Psychiatry Department, SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Via Venezia 16, 15521 Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Canuto
- Executive and General Management Service, Nant Foundation, 1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.
| | - Kerstin Weber
- Division of Institutional Measures, Medical Direction, Geneva University Hospitals, Les Voirons-Chemin du Petit-Bel-Air 2, 1225 Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland.
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