Psychometric Properties of the Interpersonal Hopelessness Scale and Testing the Assumptions of Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Abstract

BackgroundThe interpersonal theory of suicide presumes that hopelessness about interpersonal conditions of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB) precipitate active suicide ideation. However, it was suggested that there is a paucity of research investigating the role of interpersonal hopelessness (IH) in suicide ideation.ObjectiveIn Study 1, the objective was to adapt the Interpersonal Hopelessness Scale (IHS) to Turkish. Study 2 aimed to test whether PB, TB, general hopelessness, and IH predict suicide ideation and to investigate how much of the unique variance in suicide ideation was explained by IH.MethodsIn two studies using cross-sectional design (Study 1: N = 387, 53.2% female; Study 2: N = 407, 70.52% female), the variables of interest were tested through confirmatory factor analysis and a hierarchical regression model. Study measures for both studies were completed via paper-pencil method.ResultsThe psychometric properties of the IHS were adequate for the sample recruited, and PB, TB, general hopelessness, and IH were significant predictors of suicide ideation, with IH accounting for statistically significant unique variance.ConclusionsResults offer preliminary evidence of the utility of the IHS and contribute to over 10 years of empirical evidence supporting the interpersonal theory of suicide within the context of young adulthood.