Approximately 25-40% of suicides in the past two decades were associated with relationship problems, particularly romantic relationships. Despite compelling evidence and theoretical support from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, research examining romantic relationship influences on suicidal ideation (SI) is limited. Relational satisfaction, support, and conflict have each been identified as risk and protective factors of SI; however, prior research is limited to cross-sectional and retrospective reports of the relationship from the perspective of the suicidal partner. This longitudinal, dyadic study will incorporate reports of relationship dynamics from both romantic partners over time with the intent to enhance prevention and intervention efforts using romantic relationships.
The long-term goal of this study is to determine the intraindividual and interindividual changes associated with romantic relationship dynamics (i.e., relationship satisfaction, support, and conflict) in couples in which one partner experiences SI. I will use Prolific to recruit a sample of 250 U.S. couples. Both partners will independently complete a baseline survey, eight weekly surveys, and two follow-up (one-month and three-month) surveys about their relational dynamics and mental health, including SI. The baseline survey will assess: demographics; current SI; depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms; burdensomeness and belongingness; alcohol and substance use in the past 12 months; other psychiatric disorders (lifetime); and relationship satisfaction, support, and conflict. Weekly and monthly follow-up surveys will assess mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, and SI) and relationship dynamics (relationship satisfaction, support, and conflict) in the past week or since the last survey.
My central hypothesis is that romantic relationship dynamics (assessed by relationship satisfaction, support, and conflict) will be associated with suicidal ideation at the individual and dyadic level. Covariates will include age, race, gender, relationship duration, psychiatric disorders, and alcohol and substance use. Aim 1 will identify actor and partner effects between relationship dynamics and individual mental health, including SI. I hypothesize that significant associations between each partner’s reports of relationship dynamics (i.e., satisfaction, conflict, and support) and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress for the non-suicidal partner; SI for the suicidal partner) will be identified both within and between partners. Aim 2 will assess profiles of suicidal ideation over time and influences of profile membership. Two hypotheses will be tested in Aim 2: (1) Two or more distinct profiles of SI will be identified in this sample; (2) Profile membership will be predicted by relational dynamic covariates. Aim 3 will examine mediational effects of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness between romantic relationship dynamics and SI. I hypothesize that thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness will mediate the overall association between each partner’s perceptions of their romantic relationship dynamics and SI.
This study is the first longitudinal, dyadic design examining romantic relationship dynamics and SI. By incorporating both partners’ perspectives of the relationship, efforts that address risk and protective factors of relationships can be enacted in prevention and intervention of suicidal ideation. Future studies will incorporate couples in clinical settings to examine how targeted changes in relationship dynamics are associated with changes in mental health, with the overall goal of reducing SI.
