Understanding suicide risk in autistic adults: comparing the interpersonal theory of suicide in autistic and non-autistic samples

Pelton, M. K., Crawford, H., Robertson, A. E. , Rodgers, J., Baron-Cohen, S. and Cassidy, S. (2020) Understanding suicide risk in autistic adults: comparing the interpersonal theory of suicide in autistic and non-autistic samples. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), pp. 3620-3637. (doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04393-8) (PMID:32125567)

Abstract

This study explored whether the Interpersonal Theory of suicide informs our understanding of high rates of suicidality in autistic adults. Autistic and non-autistic adults (n = 695, mean age 41.7 years, 58% female) completed an online survey of self-reported thwarted belonging, perceived burden, autistic traits, suicidal capability, trauma, and lifetime suicidality. Autistic people reported stronger feelings of perceived burden, thwarted belonging and more lifetime trauma than non-autistic people. The hypothesised interaction between burdensomeness and thwarted belonging were observed in the non-autistic group but not in the autistic group. In both groups autistic traits influenced suicidality through burdensomeness/thwarted belonging. Promoting self-worth and social inclusion are important for suicide prevention and future research should explore how these are experienced and expressed by autistic people.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robertson, Dr Ashley
• Authors: Pelton, M. K., Crawford, H., Robertson, A. E., Rodgers, J., Baron-Cohen, S., and Cassidy, S.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Journal Name: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0162-3257
• ISSN (Online): 1573-3432
• Published Online: 03 March 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
• First Published: First published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 50(10): 3620-3637
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy