Peer Victimization, Dating Violence, and Suicide Ideation: Examining the Mediating Roles of the Thwarted Belongingness and Perceived Burdensomeness in a College Sample

Peer victimization, dating violence, and suicide ideation are serious and devastating problems that affect emerging adults. The interpersonal theory of suicide posits that thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness lead to suicidal ideation. However, the relationship among peer victimization, dating violence, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation has yet to be fully investigated, especially in emerging adults. College student participants were assessed on peer victimization and dating violence experiences, components of the interpersonal theory of suicide, and suicidal ideation. There were significant and positive relationships among all constructs. Results showed that perceived burdensomeness was a significant mediator of relational victimization by peers and dating partners, as well as physical peer victimization, and suicidal ideation. Thwarted belongingness was associated with violence victimization and suicidal ideation but failed to serve as a mediator of the relationship between victimization and suicidal ideation. Therefore, perceived burdensomeness may be an important treatment target and area of emphasis for prevention education programs to help reduce suicidal ideation after violence victimization in college students.