Mediating effects of self-criticism on the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation

Suicide among young adults is global social issue. Suicidal ideation is recognized to be a key predictor of suicide. According to the interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS), suicidal ideation is associated with  perceived burdensomeness. In interpersonal relationships, perceived burden-someness as a distorted evaluation of one’s value leads to self-criticism. Suicide is described as “arrested flight” in an evolutionary  context and is explained as a way to escape from self-criticism. Thus, self-criticism may be a necessary risk factor for suicidal ideation. This study verified whether self-criticism (self-criticizing and self-attacking) mediates the  relationship be-tween perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation among young adults. The results showed that self-criticizing and self-attacking partially mediated the relationship between perceived  burdensomeness and suicidal ideation, with self-attacking having a greater effect. Therapeutic interventions appropriate for the degree of self-criticism are required in clinical interventions and suicide prevention programs for young adults.