Unraveling the role of loneliness in the relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts

Suicide attempts are a major global public health concern with wide-ranging tragic consequences. Trait anger has been shown to be a predictor of suicide attempts in past studies, with people higher in trait anger having an increased risk of attempting suicide. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms as to why this relationship persists are still mostly unknown. The aim of this research was to investigate the prospective relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts. Based on the idea that frequent anger may harm social relationships, we proposed loneliness to mediate the relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts. The study design was longitudinal, and data was collected using ecological momentary assessment over a study period of one year. The sample consisted of participants with a history of suicide attempt or suicidal ideation (N = 65). Survival analysis was used to analyze the data. Against our predictions, higher trait anger was not related to an increased...Show moreSuicide attempts are a major global public health concern with wide-ranging tragic consequences. Trait anger has been shown to be a predictor of suicide attempts in past studies, with people higher in trait anger having an increased risk of attempting suicide. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms as to why this relationship persists are still mostly unknown. The aim of this research was to investigate the prospective relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts. Based on the idea that frequent anger may harm social relationships, we proposed loneliness to mediate the relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts. The study design was longitudinal, and data was collected using ecological momentary assessment over a study period of one year. The sample consisted of participants with a history of suicide attempt or suicidal ideation (N = 65). Survival analysis was used to analyze the data. Against our predictions, higher trait anger was not related to an increased risk of attempting suicide. The hypothesized mediation effect of loneliness was also not significant. Possible reasons for this may be sample characteristics and our operationalizations of trait anger and loneliness. Nevertheless, our findings contribute to the literature on suicide attempts by utilizing comprehensive data collection and analysis methodologies as well as proposing important considerations for future research. Awareness of suicide attempts and corresponding prevention interventions are discussed.Show less

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Unraveling the role of loneliness in the relationship between trait anger and suicide attempts