Burden-Related Interpretation Bias: A Novel Predictor of Perceived Burdensomeness and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Abstract

Purpose: We examined whether the tendency to interpret situation-specific information as indicating one is a liability on others (i.e., burden-related interpretation bias) is associated with beliefs that one is a burden on others (perceived burdensomeness) and suicide thoughts and behaviors. Methods: 888 participants completed interpretation bias tasks and measures of perceived burdensomeness, suicide ideation and suicide attempt, and depressive symptoms. Results: Burden-related interpretation bias was significantly associated with perceived burdensomeness, suicide ideation, and a lifetime suicide attempt. Perceived burdensomeness mediated the associations between burden-related interpretation bias and suicide thoughts and behaviors. These associations largely remained significant after controlling for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: These results identify burden-related interpretations as an information processing bias related to the belief that one is a burden on others and suicide thoughts and behaviors. As such, they set the stage for the development and evaluation of approaches to intervene on burden-related interpretation bias to prevent and/or reduce suicide thoughts and behaviors.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Cognitive Therapy and Research

First Page

406

Last Page

413

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