The Capability for Suicide in Firefighters

Abstract

As the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, the prevalence of suicide is a concern. The focus of the present study is suicide among firefighters, a population that is shown to be at-risk for suicide ideation. According to the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS), in order for an individual to engage in lethal suicidal behaviors, the individual must possess three distinct constructs: thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicidal actions. However, not every individual who possesses these three constructs will attempt suicide. Social cognitive theory (SCT) may assist ITS in explaining suicidal behavior. The proposed study was a cross-sectional mediation/moderation analysis of SCT and ITS. Firefighter coping self-efficacy was expected to mediate the relationship between number of critical incidents and the variables of the interpersonal theory of suicide. Social support was expected to moderate these relationships. Moderated mediation analysis indicated that moderated indirect effects of social support were not significant. Additionally, follow-up mediation analysis indicated that firefighter coping self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between critical incidences and each of the factors of ITS. Suicide ideation was also assessed, as well as preferred methods of suicide prevention and intervention programs.