Interpersonal Problems and Suicidal Ideation in Daily Life: Examining the Moderating Role of Social Problem-Solving
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with significant impairment in interpersonal functioning and risk of suicidal ideation (SI). One mechanism underlying interpersonal problems in BPD is deficits in social problem-solving. Using ecological momentary assessment, this study investigated how acute interpersonal problems (conflict, social isolation, lack of support, and rejection) were associated with daily SI in adolescents presenting with BPD features. Perceived rejection (β = 0.05, SE = 0.02, p = .03), support (β = 0.09, SE = 0.02, p < .001), and conflict (β = 6.07, SE = 1.30, p < .001) were associated with SI concurrently. Those with weaker social problem-solving abilities were more likely to experience SI in response to perceived rejection (β = -0.3, SE = 0.01, p = .04). This study contributes to the growing literature on advancing near-term prediction of SI, and highlights a potentially modifiable skill that is important for understanding suicide risk.