Problem Drinking, Perceived Burden, Depression, and Suicide Ideation: A Conceptual Model

ABSTRACT Previous studies have attempted to identify factors that explain the effect of problem drinking onto both depression and suicidal ideation. Problem drinking, depression, and suicide ideation are associated, but the mechanism(s) explaining this association is underdefined in the current research landscape. For this reason, the present study is vital in expanding the understanding of these associations. The proposed study explored the interplay between problem drinking and depressive symptoms including suicide ideation. Drawing on the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITOS), two interpersonal constructs (i.e., thwarted belongingness [TB] and perceived burdensomeness [PB]) were considered as mediators. It was hypothesized that problem drinking would contribute to greater depressive symptoms and suicide ideation as well through TB and PB. Participants with a history of drinking (N = 539; 43% female; M = 39.47 years, SD = 12.49) were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and completed an online survey that included Problem Drinking, TB and PB, Depression and Suicide Ideation. Depression and suicide ideation were measured using the PHQ, which contains a single item assessing suicide ideation. Results from structural equation modeling partially supported the hypotheses in that problem drinking is significantly associated with depression and suicide ideation through PB. However, problem drinking was not associated with TB indicating that TB does not account for the effect of problem drinking onto either depression or suicide ideation. This preliminary study extends prior findings with specific interpersonal constructs and has implications that provide groundwork for future research and clinical application for social aspects of drinking.