Associations between Personality Profiles and Suicide-Related Risk Factors from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Introduction: The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) identifies key dynamic factors, including thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness, that may aid in assessing and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These constructs can also be understood within the framework of the five-factor model (FFM) of personality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between personality profiles, the severity of suicide-related histories, and ITS-related risk factors. Additionally, we sought to determine whether the relationship between ITS-related risk factors and the severity of suicide-related histories was moderated by personality profiles. Method: A nationwide sample of 1,367 adults, collected via CloudResearch, completed an online survey. Results: Six distinct personality profiles were identified via latent profile analysis. Elevated levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness corresponded to the highest levels of suicide-related histories. Lower levels of neuroticism coupled with higher levels of extraversion and conscientiousness were associated with reduced levels of suicide-related histories and ITS-related risk factors. However, personality profiles did not moderate the relationship between ITS-related risk factors and the severity of suicide-related histories. Conclusion: Future research should investigate whether directly targeting personality domains contributes to mitigating suicide risk and alleviating thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness.