Psychological distress and perfectionism in recent suicide attempters: the role of behavioural inhibition and activation

Rasmussen, S., Elliott, M.A. and O'Connor, R.C. (2012) Psychological distress and perfectionism in recent suicide attempters: the role of behavioural inhibition and activation. Personality and Individual Differences, 52(6), pp. 680-685. (doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2011.12.011)

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Abstract

The present study explored the role of approach and avoidance motivation in a sample of recent suicide attempters. Specifically, it tested the hypotheses that perfectionism mediates the association between these different motivation systems and psychological distress (suicidal thinking and hopelessness). Patients (n = 125) admitted overnight following a suicide attempt completed self-report measures of motivation (BIS/BAS), socially prescribed perfectionism, depression/anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal thinking. The results showed that socially prescribed perfectionism mediated the relationship between behavioural inhibition (BIS) and suicidal thinking. In addition, in support of the updated Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory we found a moderating relationship between BIS and BAS-Drive in the prediction of hopelessness. The clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:O'Connor, Professor Rory
Authors: Rasmussen, S., Elliott, M.A., and O'Connor, R.C.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Personality and Individual Differences
Publisher:Elsevier Science
ISSN:0191-8869

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