Psychological distress and perfectionism in recent suicide attempters: The role of behavioural inhibition and activation

The present study explored the role of approach and avoidance motivation in a sample of recent suicide attempters. Specifically, it tested the hypotheses that perfectionism mediates the association between these different motivation systems and psychological distress (suicidal thinking & hopelessness). Patients (n = 125) admitted overnight following a suicide attempt completed self-report measures of motivation (BIS/BAS), socially prescribed perfectionism, depression/anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal thinking. The results showed that socially prescribed perfectionism mediated the relationship between behavioural inhibition (BIS) and suicidal thinking. In addition, in support of the updated Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory we found a moderating relationship between BIS and BAS-Drive in the prediction of hopelessness. The clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.

► Social perfectionism mediated the relationship between BIS and suicidal thinking.
► Low BAS-Drive and high BIS interacted to predict increased suicidal thinking.
► The study provides support for the updated RST in a clinical sample.