An Examination of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Capability for Suicide

Abstract

The relationship between alcohol use and suicide has been well documented in past research. However, there have been few studies interested in examining potential mediators to explain the alcohol-suicide link. The current study used the interpersonal theory of suicide to examine a potential mechanism of the alcohol use and capability for suicide relationship. 195 college individuals participated in the current study. Results confirmed an indirect effect of painful and provocative events on alcohol use and pain tolerance and an indirect effect of painful and provocative events on alcohol use and heat-induced pain sensitivity. Furthermore, painful and provocative events mediated the relationship between alcohol use and cold-induced pain sensitivity. These results may inform suicide assessments in identifying drinkers who are at greater risk of lethal self-injury.