Testing the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of suicidal behavior in a young Danish population

Introduction The Integrated Motivational-Volitional model for suicidal behaviour (IMV-model) is a predominant model of suicide risk which was developed to enhance understanding of the emergence of suicidal thoughts and the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicidal behaviour. Methods This study aimed to test the central tenets of the IMV-model within a young Danish population (age 13-19 years) and to explore whether a selection of moderators was important in the context of intentional self-harm, NSSI or suicide attempts as outcome measures. Pathway analysis was conducted, using a large sample of Danish students. Results Based on data from 1,581 individuals we found a strong fit for the central tenets of the IMV-model. We found evidence that threat-to-self and motivational moderators were important, but also that the volitional moderators (pain tolerance, fearlessness about death, impulsivity, mental images and being exposed to suicidal behavior) acted as moderators in all the models. Conclusion The IMV model provides a strong framework for understanding suicidal behavior in youth, and this study offers some empirical support for the model. Next steps include applying the model to identify individuals at risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, using it as a foundation for developing youth-specific interventions, and conducting further tests of the model with more robust longitudinal epidemiological designs.